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Behavior, language, and development in three-year-old children

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Abstract

An epidemiological study of 3-year-old children showed there to be a marked association between behavior problems and language delay. Behavior problems were present in 14% of a random sample of 705 children, whereas 59% of 22 children with language delay had such problems. Data obtained from a battery of developmental tests were analyzed to examine the differences between children with behavior problems, matched controls, and children with language delay. It was found that children with behavior problems scored significantly lower on these tests, particularly those concerned with language. There were no significant differences in test scores between children with language delay only and those with combined behavior problems and language delay.

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Reference note

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Child Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, London

    Jim Stevenson & Naomi Richman

Authors
  1. Jim Stevenson
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  2. Naomi Richman
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Additional information

This study was supported by a grant from the Department of Health and Social Security to Prof. P. J. Graham and Dr. N. Richman. Carole Ellis was responsible for administrative assistance. Statistical assistance was given by Mr. David Boniface and programming help by Judith Pearson and Mr. Andy Hathaway. We are most grateful to Dr. James Douglas (M.R.C.) and to the Local Authority Education and Health Departments for their cooperation. Finally, we must thank the many helpful parents and children who took part in the study.

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Stevenson, J., Richman, N. Behavior, language, and development in three-year-old children. J Autism Dev Disord 8, 299–313 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01539633

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