Developmental-behavioral dysfunction in preschool children. Descriptive analysis of a pediatric consultative model
F. Oberklaid, P. H. Dworkin and M. D. Levine
A study of 79 preschool children referred to an interdisciplinary clinic
because of behavioral problems and developmental concerns was done.
Historical data and information regarding present functioning were
collected using standard questionnaires. In addition to medical,
neurological, and psychiatric examinations, every child received a
neurodevelopmental assessment. When compared with a matched cohort of
children from the community, the clinic population had a higher incidence
of developmental concerns. Of 37 children referred because of
"hyperactivity" or other behavioral concerns, 13 had previously undetected
developmental concerns requiring specific interventions. Dysfunction in
preschool children may be the result of an ongoing reciprocal interaction
between constitutional predispositions and social and environmental
factors. A comprehensive, developmentally oriented approach seems to be
indicated in the assessment of these children. This may have implications
for pediatric practice.
