Risk factors in learning difficulties

Objective. To review the literature of the risk factors in learning diffi#ulties (LD) and to assess these factors in children diagnosed as having LD in the Neuropaediatric Department of the Hospital Universitario infantil La Fe in Valencia, in 1996 and 1997. Material and methods. A retrospective study was done of children diagnosed in the Hospital Infantil Universitario La Fe in Valencia as having learning difficulties. The;different factors related to LD were assessed. Results. Between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 1997 a total of 32 children were diagnosed as having learning difficulties. There were 62.5% boys and 37.5% girls of an average age of 10 years and 10 months. The average intelligence quotient was 82. 1. The commonest LD was difficulty with reading and writing. Conclusions. Learning difficulties form a large proportion of the routine pathology seen in the Neuropaediatric Department. It must be remembered that in most children with learning difficulties there is undiagnosed underlying neurological pathology which becomes noticeable on reaching an age at which schooling becomes more demanding [REV NEUROL 1998; 27: 274-9].