The neurology of learning and behavioural problems in pre-adolescent children

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether in pre-adolescent children specific types of minor neurological dysfunction (MND) are related to specific types of learning and behavioural problems, and whether it is the type or the severity of neurological dysfunction that matters most. Method: A total of 1186, 5.5-11-year-old, children were examined for the presence of clusters of signs of MND. Parents and teachers completed brief behaviour rating scales. In school-aged children (n = 580) cognitive achievement was assessed using standardized Dutch tests. Least-squares regression was used to examine neurobehavioural and neurocognitive links. Results: Children with more MND clusters performed worse scholastically and had more signs of attention deficit than others. Externalizing and internalizing behaviour were only linked to specific forms of MND. Conclusion: Evaluation of the neurological condition of the child with learning and behavioural problems offers insight into the aetiology and pathogenesis of these problems.