[Mental retardation and multiple handicaps (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Child Psychology
• Epidemiology

Context:

• Childhood handicaps are often underreported and occur in multiples.
• Multiple impairments present significant diagnostic and care challenges.
• Behavioral problems are a frequent co-occurring handicap in children.

Purpose:

• To investigate the prevalence and associations of multiple handicaps in childhood.
• To analyze the role of intellectual disability in complex childhood impairments.
• To examine social factors influencing risk and healthcare access for children with handicaps.

Summary:

• An epidemiological survey in the Paris area revealed the high frequency of behavioral problems as a supplementary handicap.
• Intellectual disability plays a crucial role in multiple childhood handicaps, with specific associations varying by deficiency level.
• Social factors significantly correlate with intellectual handicap, impacting both risk and access to care and rehabilitation services.

Impact:

• Highlights the need for comprehensive assessment and integrated care for children with multiple handicaps.
• Underscores the importance of addressing behavioral problems alongside other developmental issues.
• Reveals disparities in healthcare and rehabilitation access, emphasizing the need for equitable service provision.