Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association  2006;45(2):160-164

Comparisons of Temperamental and Sociodemographic Characteristics in Three Groups of Preschool Children with Delayed Language Development.

Won Seok JANG 1 ; Yoosook JOUNG ; Ji Hae KIM ; Sungdo D HONG

Affiliations

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Keywords

Temeperament; Communication disorder; Mental retardation; Pervasive developmental disorders

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Temperamental and sociodemographic characteristics of developmentally delayed preschool children have not been adequately studied. This research compares temperamental and sociodemographic characteristics in 3 groups of preschool children: those with communication disorder (CD), those with mental retardation (MR), and those with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). METHODS: One hundred ninety eight preschool children (160 males, 38 females, average age 37.8 months) with delayed language development were included in this study. Developmental status of children was assessed by Bayley scales of infant development II, and temperamental characteristics were assessed by PTQ (Parental Temperamental Questionnaire). Sociodemographic characteristics of children were assessed with a questionnaire developed by us. Subjects were divided into three groups according to Bayley scale and Childhood autism rating scale (CARS). RESULTS: CD groups showed higher scores on rhythmicity and persistence than MR and PDD groups. CD group showed lower scores on threshold of reaction than MR group. On intensity of reaction and quality of mood, CD group showed higher scores than the PDD group. Sociodemographic characteristics were not different among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: There are differences in temperamental characteristics but not in sociodemographic characteristics among CD, MR, and PDD.