Abstract
Disabilities in a child may lead to low self-esteem and social problems. The lives of parents and siblings are also affected.
Early intervention may decrease these consequences. To promote early intervention early referral to adequate resources is
essential. In a longitudinal retrospective observational study it was found that children with neuropsychiatric disorders
without mental retardation were referred 30 months later than other children. Agreement between the referrer’s identification
of the main disability and the habilitation center’s was low with Kappa coefficient 0.44. Whereby agreement on diagnosis between
referrer and habilitation centers was low, earlier referral should be promoted.
Early intervention may decrease these consequences. To promote early intervention early referral to adequate resources is
essential. In a longitudinal retrospective observational study it was found that children with neuropsychiatric disorders
without mental retardation were referred 30 months later than other children. Agreement between the referrer’s identification
of the main disability and the habilitation center’s was low with Kappa coefficient 0.44. Whereby agreement on diagnosis between
referrer and habilitation centers was low, earlier referral should be promoted.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-012-1595-8
- Authors
- Alli-Marie Tuominen-Eriksson, Child and Adolescent Habilitation Center in Fyrbodal County, Barnhabiliteringen Mariedal, Restadvagen 24, 462 54 Vänersborg, Sweden
- Yvonne Svensson, Child and Adolescent Habilitation Center in Fyrbodal County, Barnhabiliteringen Mariedal, Restadvagen 24, 462 54 Vänersborg, Sweden
- Ronny K. Gunnarsson, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257