[Long-term prognosis for developmental language disorder].
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of neurologic and psychiatric comorbidity on the prognosis of developmental language disorder.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Dalby
Mogens
M
mdalby@privat.dk
Elbro
Carsten
C
Mårbjerg
Stine
S
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors