The Child at Risk for Learning Disorder: Can He Be Identified during the First Year of Life?

In a prospective study, observable neurologic signs during the first year of life have been found to be related significantly to seven year neuro logic and psychologic measures which are associated with learning disabilities. Scored ratings of multiple outcome items are being found to be better for identifying these psychoneurologically inefficient children than are isolated measures which reflect stress, such as prematurity or the Apgar rating. From the Collaborative Study schedules a neurologic “at risk” index is being developed. This promises to be helpful for identifying babies who are likely to have a later learning difficulty.