This study uses developmental epidemiological data linkage to predict risk by linking birth, infant-toddler services, preschool services, and school data. This facilitates the examination of early childhood and family factors that are predictive of poor developmental outcomes and at which stage of development the risk factors are impacting children the most. Cases are children born in North Carolina (1990, 1991, or 1992) who were in first grade special education during the 1998-1999 school year (N=9,775). Controls (N=29,325) were matched on gender, race, and birth year using case-control methodology. Overall, 68% are male and 61% white. Significantly more cases had mothers (34%; X2(3)=759, p < .0001) and fathers (22%; X2(3)=590, p < .0001) with less than a high-school education. A larger percentage of cases had mothers who began prenatal care after the first trimester of pregnancy (26% vs. 22%; X2(1)=67, p < .01). Birthweight and gestational age were lower for cases (X2(3)=238, p < .0001 and X2(3)=139, p < .001, respectively). Three logistic regression models were completed which grouped risk factors into parental risk, pregnancy risk, and child risk to examine predictive status of models. Parental age, maternal education, parental education, parental issues (e.g., limited social support or bonding), and parental limitations (e.g., mental retardation) are significant predictors which increase a child’s risk (p < .001). Pregnancy related factors predictive of outcome (p < .001) are birth weight and timing of prenatal care. The only significant child-related factor was the presence of a congenital anomaly (p < .001).
Learning Objectives: 1. Apply developmental epidemiological methods to several early childhood databases to predict special education outcomes 2. Discuss which early patterns of risk were most predictive of school-age outcome 3. Review challenges of using such a methodology in the study of early childhood and risk
Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Risk Factors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.