[Effects and significance of specific spelling problems in young adults--empirical studies in an epidemiologic...

With reference to an epidemiological sample of adolescents and young adults the impact of different models on the number of children classified as having specific spelling problems is investigated.

Using the same set of data, the effect of alternative definitions and methodological procedures on the prevalence of specific spelling retardation is shown. The virtual consequences of various norm-orientated definitions of cases is discussed with reference to external empirical criteria.

Particularly, obsolete norms lead to a large overestimation of cases. In the present study case definitions of specific spelling retardation based on substantial criteria result in prevalence rates between 6 and 9 percent. Academic achievement is considerably affected by persisting specific spelling problems and the attendance of secondary schools is rare, in spite of sufficient nonverbal intelligence.

Because of the high impact of spelling ability for educational success, dyslexic children need help by early intervention. Furthermore scholastic promotion is necessary to enable a school carer appropriate to the intellectual possibilities of the child.