Minor malformations, hyperactivity, and learning disabilities

Article Abstract:

Although the presence of minor physical malformations in children is often considered to be associated with attentional problems, hyperactivity, and other syndromes, many children with these disorders do not have detectable structural malformations (dysmorphisms). To learn more about the association between these factors, a study was carried out of 1,233 children who underwent evaluation at one developmental center during a six-year period. The children were routinely assessed for minor dysmorphic features, such as hairwhorl abnormality, low-set ears, abnormally large head circumference, or other characteristics (which are listed in a table). IQ scores and diagnoses of attention deficit disorder (ADD) or learning disability (LD) were noted. The average dysmorphology score for the group was 2.94. The average score for 251 children with IQs higher than 100 was 3.24, a value that was higher than for subjects with IQs lower than 101. No difference was seen between the dysmorphology scores of children with and without ADD, nor between the scores of children with ADD with or without hyperactivity. However, the dysmorphology scores of children without LD were significantly lower than the scores of children with LD. Higher dysmorphology scores were associated with LD as well as with the absence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Minor dysmorphic features are commonly evaluated in screening for ADHD, an association that is not supported by the results in this study. It appears that LD, rather than ADHD, is associated with the presence of these abnormalities. Minor dysmorphic features can be considered a nonspecific and nondiagnostic sign of LD in a population of children referred for more extensive evaluation. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Physiological aspects, Learning disabilities, Learning disorders, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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Children of mentally retarded parents

Article Abstract:

Mentally retarded adults are marrying and having children at the same rate as people with normal cognitive abilities. The degree of retardation is considerable in some cases, with mothers having IQs in the 35 to 69 range. Maternal mental retardation is associated with an increased risk of child abuse and neglect. In one study, 45 percent of the children of retarded mothers had been removed from the home by the authorities. In another study, 66.4 percent of children were shown to have suffered child abuse, sexual abuse and/or neglect; 31 percent of these children were also diagnosed as mentally retarded. However, retarded children with one or two retarded parents had a lower risk of abuse than the normal children of retarded parents. The risk of abuse was lower in the more severe cases of parental retardation. This may be a result of the ability of less retarded parents to conceal abuse more easily. Incidents of abuse increased with increased family size. Training retarded adults to be responsible parents has had mixed results. Greater success has been achieved with parents with less severe retardation (IQs in the range of 70). More seriously retarded parents have difficulty mastering the routines of daily life necessary to raise a family. Future efforts should be devoted to family support, expanded group-home settings, foster-care placement, and other alternative living arrangements. Children should be protected from the adverse effects that may result from being reared by retarded parents. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social aspects, Research, Risk factors, Child abuse, Mental retardation, Mentally disabled persons, Mentally disabled children, Disabled parents, Children of disabled parents

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Habitual physical activity and health-related physical fitness in fourth-grade children

Article Abstract:

There is considerable evidence that increased physical activity and physical fitness both are associated with improved health indexes, even in children. To test that hypothesis, the relationship of habitual physical activity to the components of health-related fitness in children was examined. The cross-sectional survey included 528 healthy children in seven suburban elementary schools in southern California. Results of measures of physical activity in children were combined in an index of physical activity. The measures included monitoring by accelerometer, parental reporting and reports by the child. These indicators of habitual physical activity were then examined in relation to five components of health-related fitness. The physical activity index was closely related to all five physical fitness components, for a canonical correlation of .29.

Physical fitness, Physical fitness for children, Elementary school students

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