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[Epidemiology of developmental disorders in children in Tel Aviv]
E Samuel1, T Lerman-Sagie, Y Nevo
1Institute for Child Development, Tel Aviv Medical Center.
Insights
This study on early childhood developmental disorders in Tel Aviv found that most children benefited from intervention, with 83% having normal intelligence. Early identification and rehabilitation services are crucial for positive outcomes in children with developmental delays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric developmental neurology
- Child psychology and psychiatry
- Public health and epidemiology
Context:
- Assessed 1,944 children referred to a development center between 1981-1990, representing 4.3% of births in Tel Aviv.
- Referrals peaked between ages 3-4 years, with primary concerns including language, speech, communication, global developmental delay, motor, and behavioral issues.
- Developmental disorders were more common in boys (M/F ratio 1.8:1).
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of developmental disorders and associated risk factors in a cohort of referred children.
- To evaluate the need for intervention and the potential for rehabilitation services.
- To inform the planning of diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitation services.
Summary:
- 84% of children had at least one risk factor (pre/perinatal, social, or genetic), with social factors being most common (66%).
- Key risk factors included sibling developmental problems, parental consanguinity, low birth weight, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and severe asphyxia.
- Prognosis was generally positive: 83% had normal intelligence, 10% severe disability, and 63% required ongoing rehabilitation services post-discharge at age 5.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant impact of social and perinatal factors on developmental disorders.
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of early intervention and rehabilitation, with most children achieving normal intelligence.
- Provides essential data for resource allocation and service planning in pediatric developmental care.
Abstract:
We assessed the prevalence of developmental disorders, the need for intervention, potential for rehabilitation, and also characterized the risk factors, from files of 1,944 children referred during 1981-1990. The study group consisted of 4.3% of the children born in Tel Aviv during this period. Referral was highest between the ages 3-4 years and the causes for referral were language, speech and communication disorders (38%), global developmental delay (20%), motor disorders (16%), and behavioral and emotional problems (15%). Developmental disorders were more prevalent in boys (M/F ratio 1.8:1). 84% had at least 1 risk factor, either pre/perinatal, social or genetic. 66% had a social risk factor requiring involvement of a community social worker, or a parent with a chronic disease. The principal genetic risk factors were a developmental problem in a sibling, and parental consanguinity. The most common perinatal risk factors were birth weight under 2500 grams, hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn and severe asphyxia. Prognosis was good: 83% had normal intelligence and only 10% had severe disability. Upon discharge from the development center at the age of 5 years only 18% required special schooling, but 63% were referred for continuation of rehabilitation services. This study provides multi-disciplinary information that allows planning of requirements for diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation services in the human, logistic and economic fields.