[Long-term prognosis for developmental language disorder].

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of neurologic and psychiatric comorbidity on the prognosis of developmental language disorder.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A total of 470 pre-school children (4-7 years) with language learning impairment were investigated in the period 1969-1976 at the Institute for Language Impairment in Risskov (SIT) during a 3-6 week observation period. Deaf children were excluded. Questionnaires were sent to the 470 participants in 2006. They were then 36-45 years of age.

RESULTS

A total of 200 responses were received. The answer group and the non-responding groups were equal with regard to all parameters investigated in childhood. For 41% a pure hereditary aetiology was present, while 58% had neurological and 51% psychiatric comorbidity. In all, 77% of the children developed reading difficulties during the first school years, while 54% had reading difficulties at the follow-up. 40% started an education after leaving school, while 29% finished their training and acquired work corresponding to their attained level of training. At the follow-up, 35% were self-supporting while 65% received a state pension. Neurological comorbidity was decisive for the prognosis.

DISCUSSION: Neurological and psychiatric comorbidity is frequent in children with medium and severe language learning impairment and are decisive for the prognosis. Examination of children suspected of brain dysfunction by a paediatric neurologist and paediatric neuropsychologist is necessary to discover the cognitive deficits which require special habilitating treatment.