[The prevalence of communication problems in neglected children under three years of age].
OBJECTIVE
Estimate the prevalence of communication problems in children under three taken into care by Youth Centres in Quebec for negligence. Prevalence is calculated for the pragmatic aspect, receptive and expressive language, according to age and sex.


METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study. A representative sample of 84 children was drawn consecutively from the lists of new children registered at the Youth Centres.


RESULTS
46.4% of the children present a problem in at least one area of communication. The prevalence and seriousness of the problems increase significantly with age. Boys are significantly more affected than girls.


CONCLUSIONS
Negligence constitutes a threat to the development of communication. According to the data reported in this study, there is substantial justification for early intervention, promotion and prevention programs with regard to communication problems among neglected children.
D002649:Child Abuse; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003153:Community Health Services; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011792:Quebec / Q000453:epidemiology
Prévalence des problèmes de la communication chez des enfants négligés âgés de moins de trois ans.