BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES ACCORDING TO THEIR PARENTS AND TEACHERS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Learning difficulties (LDs) are associated with increased comorbidity, especially depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that 24% to 52% of children with LDs present with behavioral problems (BPs). OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate whether parents' and teachers' opinions concerning BPs in children with LDs are identical. METHODS: For this purpose, 658 students (aged 7–10 years) in elementary schools were evaluated by specialized questionnaires for parents and teachers. Of those students, 102 (15.5%) were identified as having LDs according to their teachers. The questions regarded symptoms of depression, anxiety/stress, irritability, and other BPs. RESULTS: Our findings in children with LDs are summarized in Table 1. CONCLUSIONS: BPs resulting from reduced self-confidence and anxiety/stress were observed at a higher rate by the teachers than by the parents, who more often acknowledged symptoms of social isolation and aggressive behavior. Stress was the BP about which parents and teachers gave identical replies. TABLE 1.Behavioral Problems in Children With LDsTeachers and Parents Agree That There Are No BPs, %Teachers and Parents Agree That There Are BPs, %Only the Teachers Consider That There Is a BP, %Only the Parents Consider That There Is a BP, %Reduced self-confidence24.626.342.17.0Complains of headache/bellyache19.428.437.314.9Feeling tired frequently13.624.256.16.1Other children tease him/her42.613.216.227.9Being alone, without friends37.111.335.516.1Being unreliable48.412.510.928.1Often fights with other children48.520.613.217.6Increased irritability36.820.611.830.9