[Early recognition of partial learning disorders]

Abstract

The long-term outcome of learning disabilities (lower school performance, higher rates of unemployment and unskilled jobs, secondary psychic disorders and juvenile delinquency) requires their early recognition even at pre-school age. The concept of learning disabilities should be adapted to the concept of specific developmental disorders (ICD-10, F80-F83). The diagnosis of specific developmental disorders at pre-school age shows many difficulties due to the drawbacks of the available psychological tests. A highly economic and reliable battery of tests is presented as an alternative, which enables us to diagnose general intelligence and specific developmental disorders. The diagnostic procedure was standardised on 657 children of four and five years of age.