Abstract
Background: Learning disabilities (LDs) are a major public health issue, affecting cognitive functions and academic performance for 8% of children. If LDs are not detected early and addressed through appropriate interventions, they have a heavy impact on these children in the social, educational, and professional spheres, at great cost to society. The BMT-i (Batterie Modulable de Tests informatisée, or “computerized Adaptable Test Battery”) enables fast, easy, reliable assessments for each cognitive domain. It has previously been validated in children ages 4–13 who had no prior complaints. The present study demonstrates the sensitivity of the BMT-i, relative to reference test batteries, for 191 children with cognitive difficulties.Materials and Methods: These 191 subjects were included in the study by the 14 pediatricians treating them for complaints in five cognitive domains: written language [60 (cases)]; mathematical cognition (40); oral language (60); handwriting, drawing, and visuospatial construction (45); and attention and executive functioning (45). In accordance with a predefined protocol, the children were administered BMT-i tests first, by their pediatricians, and reference tests later, by specialists to whom the BMT-i test results were not disclosed. Comparison of BMT-i and reference test results made it possible to evaluate sensitivity and agreement between tests.Results: For each of the five domains, the BMT-i was very sensitive (0.91–1), and normal BMT-i results were highly predictive of normal results for specialized reference tests [negative likelihood ratio (LR–): 0–0.16]. There was close agreement between BMT-i and reference tests in all domains except attention and executive functioning, for which only moderate agreement was observed.Conclusion: The BMT-i offers rapid, reliable, simple computerized assessments whose sensitivity and agreement with reference test batteries make it a suitable first-line instrument for LD screening in children 4–13 years old.
Highlights
The high prevalence of learning disabilities (LDs)—estimated at 8% among children ages 3–17 [1]—makes them a public health priority worldwide
We recently reported the validation of the Batterie Modulable de Tests informatisée (BMT-i) for a sample of 1,074 French children with no prior complaints [15]
We demonstrate that the sensitivity of the BMT-i and its agreement with reference test batteries make it a robust tool for initial detection of LDs in children
Summary
The high prevalence of learning disabilities (LDs)—estimated at 8% among children ages 3–17 [1]—makes them a public health priority worldwide. Recommendations made by the French National Authority for Health (HAS) define treatment paths for children with LDs in France according to the severity of the disorders and how quickly they progress [11]. These HAS recommendations indicate the role of physicians in screening, referral to specialists, and coordination with teachers. The BMT-i (Batterie Modulable de Tests informatisée, or “computerized Adaptable Test Battery”) enables fast, easy, reliable assessments for each cognitive domain It has previously been validated in children ages 4–13 who had no prior complaints. The present study demonstrates the sensitivity of the BMT-i, relative to reference test batteries, for 191 children with cognitive difficulties
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