Clinical Diagnosis and Non-Verbal Ability of Primary-One School Children with LD
- Author:
Toh Teck Hock
;
Wong See Chang
;
Muhamad Rais Abdullah
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Learning Disability (LD);
non-verbal ability;
behavioural problems;
screening;
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD);
Intellectual Disability (ID);
Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Test (NNAT);
Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
- MeSH:
Learning Disorders;
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity;
Intellectual Disability;
diagnosis
- From:International Journal of Public Health Research
2011;-(Special issue):33-40
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
More school children were referred for learning difficutly (LD), especially after the introduction of LINUS sccreening programme by Ministry of Education Malaysia. To study the clinical diagnosis and non-verbal ability of primary-one school children with LD after paediatric assessment, as well as associated behavioural issues and socio-economincal background. Assessment findings by Paediatricians and Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Test®
(NNAT®) results of all primary-one school children referred in year 2010 with LD were studied retrospectively. Ninety-three children were included (62.4% male), and 72.0% of them failed the LINUS screening programme. The commonest diagnoses were Borderline
Intellectual Disability (ID, 37.6%) and Mild ID (19.4%). Other diagnoses included Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD, 11.8%), Specific Learning Disability (SLD, 10.8%), Autistic Spectrum Disorder (n = 5) and Severe Language Disorder (n = 3). Mean NNAT scores were 84.6 ± 11.8 (n = 85), of which 9.4% children scored less than 70 (<2nd percentile), while 63.7% scored between 71 and 90 (3rd-24th percentile). Twenty-three children(27.1%) scored 90 - 110 (25th-75th percentile) and 111-119 (76th-90th
percentile). More than two-thirds of the parents never attended school, or only received education up to Form 3. Nearly 80% of mothers were housewife and 78.7% of fathers were labour or semi-skilled workers. A significant numbers of children with ADHD, Borderline ID, Mild ID and Severe Language Disorder / SLD had significant or borderline internalizing and/or externalizing behaviours.Majority of primary-one school children referred for LD do not have
intellectual disability. Their clinical diagnosis and non-verbal ability were very variable. A significant number of them have poor socio-economical background and associated behavioural problems. A more realistic education system and targeted program should be offered.
- Full text:P020140627335365106424.pdf
