Family Functioning and Quality of Life among Children with Specific Learning Disorder and Healthy Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to compare the quality of life, family functionality, and parental attitudes with Specific learning disorder (SLD) with controls. We also aimed to evaluate the correlation between SLD symptoms and quality of life. Method: This is a cross-sectional, case-control study. The Learning Disorder Symptom Checklist (LDSC) was filled out by children’s parents to measure SLD symptoms. Family functioning was assessed using the Family Assessment Device (FAD) and Parental Attitude Research Instrument (PARI). The children’s quality of life was evaluated by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Results: Within the study period, 38 children with SLD and 35 healthy control children were enrolled. All of the children with SLD reported significantly reduced all PedsQL domains. PARI-overprotective (p<0.001), mariatal conflict (p=0.011), strict dicipline (p<0.001) and FAD-problem-solving (p=0.022) subscores were significantly elevated in the SLD group. There were statistically negative correlations between LDCS academic success, reading skills, writing skills, working habit, orientation skills, tactile perception, queue skill, motor skills, social-emotional behaviors, activity level, attention skills scores and all domains of PedsQL-child. Conclusion: Evaluating family attitudes and problem-solving skills of the family in the treatment of children with SLD and targeting those areas in treatment may provide additional benefit.