[Prevalence of Specific learning disorders in a cohort of children with school failure]

ABSTRACT

Specific learning disorders [SLD] are poorly known and studied in Tunisia. A National research project on their prevalence was launched recently. Aim of this study was to estimate prevalence of SLD in a cohort of children with school failure. Cross-sectional descriptive study with a population of 287 First and Third grade Primary School students, screened by their teachers as facing learning problems through a systematic screening process based on achievement and behavior. Multidisciplinary assessment consisted in general medical examination, child psychiatry, child neurology, speech therapy and psychology [cognitive]. 180 students have been assessed. Prevalence of SLD over study population was 32%, which gives a general population prevalence 6.4%. Most common SLDs were dyslexia and dyscalculia. Most of children with SLD came from disadvantaged social groups. Despite methodological limitations, this first study on SLD sheds some light on their prevalence in Tunisian students, and opens perspectives for future more focused studies and interventions for their management in Tunisia