The 2014 – 2015 school year is fast approaching! Time can be difficult to come by during the school year for parents and students alike. Add time constraints to the fact that children with NF1 often struggle to stay on task and it may feel like it is impossible to fit everything your child needs […]
Month: July 2014
Back to School: Getting Organized
The 2014 – 2015 school year is fast approaching! Children with NF1 often experience difficulties in the academic environment due to attention deficits, learning disabilities and social delays. It can be frustrating for both students and families if they feel there are significant roadblocks to success in school. Fortunately, there are many ways you can […]
UPDATE: Clinical Research Studies at the Washington University NF Center – Summer 2014
Curious how our current clinical studies are going? NF1 Genome Project (NF1GP) We have obtained 405 blood samples from individuals with NF1 and have begun using some of the samples in new studies. These include a study looking at the differences in DNA between people with NF1 who develop brain tumors and people with NF1 who […]
Nicole’s Nook: Back to School Apps
As summer is winding down and school is right around the corner, some great educational (and fun) apps include those that target fine motor, visual motor and visual perceptual skills. The apps included below target development of skills which play a significant role in academics, so here’s your chance to get a head start for school! Fine Motor Skills […]
Washington University NF Center Researchers Define Potential Target for NF2-Associated Spinal Tumor Treatment
Individuals with NF2 are at increased risk for developing spinal cord tumors called ependymomas. Currently, the only available treatment for these tumors is surgery. Cindy Garcia, PhD, a former graduate student in the laboratory of David H. Gutmann, MD PhD, used genetically-engineered mouse models of NF2 to determine how the Nf2 protein, merlin, controls spinal […]
Empowering Parents to Detect Potential Delays in their Children with NF1
Children with NF1 commonly experience a range of developmental delays that can negatively impact their daily lives. Early detection and treatment of these delays provides children with NF1 their best chances of success. In order to help families detect potential delays as early as possible, we have created child development checklists of expected developmental […]
Courtney’s Corner: Back to School Shoe Shopping
As the kids head back to school, new shoes often top the shopping list. With the cost of new shoes sometimes reaching upwards of $100, we want to pass on some basics regarding shoe selection from a physical therapist’s perspective. First, shoes for early walkers are primarily for protection. Shoes are not required to learn […]
Post-Doc Profile: Joe Toonen – Understanding NF1-Associated Vision Loss
Joe Toonen, PhD, is interested in understanding how optic gliomas cause nerve cells in the eye to malfunction and lead to vision loss. Using novel Nf1 mouse strains, Dr. Toonen’s research is focused on defining the mechanisms that control nerve cell function in the eye (retina) relevant to the development of better treatments for the […]
SAVE THE DATE: Club NF Swims!
The Washington University NF Center in collaboration with the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation is excited to announce its August 2014 Club NF event – Club NF Swims! Please join us at The Lodge Des Peres on August 2, 2014 for a back to school-themed day focusing on organizational skills, gross motor skills and social skills. As children work with therapists […]
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Therapy Activities for the 4th of July
Happy 4th of July from the Washington University NF Center! Summer is here and it is time to celebrate! Get outside and enjoy Independence Day weekend as a family. While you’re at it, consider trying out these 4th of July themed therapy activities. Occupational Therapy – Fine Motor Skill Development “Fireworks” in a Jar This […]
Researchers Publish Findings on New Plexiform Neurofibroma Treatment
Individuals with NF1 are at increased risk for developing tumors known as plexiform neurofibromas. These tumors are among the most debilitating features of NF1; however, there are currently no standard treatment options for reducing the size of these tumors other than surgery. Brian Weiss, MD, of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and his collaborators, including David H. Gutmann, […]
Beat NF: Understanding How Music Therapy Helps Children with NF1
Welcome to a special guest post from Beat NF Music Therapist, Dr. Cynthia Briggs! Cynthia Briggs, PhD, is a licensed Music Therapist and faculty member at Maryville University. She has collaborated with the Washington University NF Center and Jazz St. Louis to create Beat NF–a jazz music therapy program for toddlers with NF1. Music Therapy […]