Language and social/emotional problems identified at a universal developmental assessment at 30 months

Sim, F., O'Dowd, J., Thompson, L. , Law, J., Macmillan, S.C., Affleck, M., Gillberg, C. and Wilson, P. (2013) Language and social/emotional problems identified at a universal developmental assessment at 30 months. BMC Pediatrics, 13(206), (doi: 10.1186/1471-2431-13-206)

Abstract

Background: Preschool language and neurodevelopmental problems often persist and impede learning. The aims of the current study are to assess the uptake of a new universal 30 month health visitor contact and to quantify the prevalence of language delay and social/emotional difficulties.<p></p> Methods: All families of 30 month old children in four Glasgow localities were offered a visit from their health visitor. Structured data were collected relating to language, social and emotional development using three instruments; The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the abbreviated Sure Start Language Measure and a two-item language screen.<p></p> Results: From an eligible population of 543 children, there was a 90% return rate of contact forms from the health visitors, and assessments were completed on 78% of eligible children. Visit completion rates did not differ significantly by socio-economic status. 3-8% of children were reported to have language delay depending on the method of assessment. 8.8% of children scored in the “abnormal” range of SDQ total difficulties scores and 31.1% had an abnormality in at least one subscale. There was substantial overlap between language delay and abnormal scores on the SDQ.<p></p> Conclusions: Universal assessment of neurodevelopmental function at 30 months identified a significant proportion of children, including those previously considered at low risk, with both language and social/emotional difficulties. Further work is required to assess the precise nature of these difficulties and to assess the potential impact on services.<p></p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sim, Dr Fiona and Thompson, Dr Lucy and Law, Dr James and Wilson, Dr Philip and Gillberg, Professor Christopher and O'Dowd, Dr John and Macmillan, Miss Susan
• Authors: Sim, F., O'Dowd, J., Thompson, L., Law, J., Macmillan, S.C., Affleck, M., Gillberg, C., and Wilson, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: BMC Pediatrics
• ISSN: 1471-2431
• ISSN (Online): 1471-2431
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2013 The Authors
• First Published: First published in BMC Pediatrics 13(206)
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License