title: [Study of a Tunisian population of children with learning disorders].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Learning disorders are increasingly a concern for Tunisians parents. These difficulties are divided into two groups: specific learning disabilities and non-specific learning disorders.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Our work is part of a federated research project. Our aim is to determine the incidence, etiology and management of learning disorders in the region of Sfax.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study on a population of 304 children assessed by their teachers as having academic difficulty. A multidisciplinary assessment including a neurological examination, an assessment of score of intelligence and language assessment has been performed for 209 children.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Referring to our sample, learning disorders affect 21.3% of children in the region Sfax. The frequency of specific learning disorder is estimated at 10.3% (reading disorder 5.9%, dyscalculia 2.4%, reading disorder associated with dyscalculia 2%). Non-specific learning disorders were found in 11% of children. Etiologies in this group were dominated by mental retardation (2.1%), inappropriate education (2.3%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study revealed the high frequency of learning difficulties. It allows us to distinguish between specific learning disabilities and non specific learning disorders secondary to neurological or precarious socio-economic conditions. However, the profile and severity of specific learning disorders could not be studied due to the lack of standardized Arabic tests in Tunisia. In countries with a lack of professional and specialized unit care as in Tunisia, reading interventions in school should be proposed. Only children with remaining difficulties after this training will be sent to specialized professionals.
authors.forename: Ines
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hsairi Guidara
authors.forename: Ines
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ayadi
authors.forename: Emna
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ellouz
authors.forename: Imen
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Abid
authors.forename: Fatma
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kamoun
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hakim
authors.forename: Farihane
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kassis
authors.forename: Dalinda
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kolsi
authors.forename: Foued
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Moalla
authors.forename: Farhat
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ghribi
authors.forename: Chahnez Charfi
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Triki
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D014416:Tunisia