Development Screening and the Child with Special Needs

This book is the outcome of many years' study on the large population of preschool children in Dundee, Scotland, where, since 1973, there has been an extensive and comprehensive program of development screening. The research population numbered more than 5,000 children, and the aims of the study were to estimate the frequency and types of neurodevelopmental disabilities identified, to describe their management, to attempt to ascertain causative factors, and to look at the predictive value of screening and its therapeutic value. Separate chapters deal with the various types of problems identified: global delay and mental retardation, motor problems, speech and language problems, behavior disorders, visual and auditory problems. A wealth of information is contained in each chapter on prevalence, causation, and consequences, with illustrative case examples, as well as a review of other relevant studies. Finally there is a valuable discussion on the relative merits of screening and health surveillance, again with reference to other important studies. This book is essential reading for all concerned with the planning or implementation of screening and surveillance programs for preschool children, and should finally answer the question of whether or not screening is worth while.