The relationship between intelligence and academic achievements in spina bifida adolescents.

I.Q. scores taken at sixteen years were significantly related to external examination results in both spina bifida and control groups. An I.Q. of 110 or more was associated with a high probability of GCE passes and an I.Q. under 90 with no passes. Three interrelated factors were responsible for poor academic achievement. These were: special school attendance shunt insertion, and severe physical handicap Only 6% of the aggressively treated children in this study are likely to enter higher education; those leaving school without qualifications and a physical handicap are much more likely to be unemployed.