DEVELOPMENTAL-DISABILITIES AMONG CHILDREN BETWEEN BIRTH AND 3-YEARS-OLD IN THE HAIFA DISTRICT - A POPULATION STUDY

The incidence of major neurodevelopmental deficits among children betw een birth and 3 years of age in the Haifa district was evaluated. Rout ine standardized developmental screening at the well-baby clinics was employed. The records of all children referred to the only two child d evelopmental centers in the district during a period of 4 years were a nalyzed. The overall incidence was 31 per 1 000 and was lower than exp ected. The age at diagnosis and associated disorders are discussed. In 30% of the cohort the diagnosis was inaccurate: and a 22% false posit ive referral rate was noted. A more thorough training in the early dia gnosis of psychomotor developmental problems in childhood in the well- baby clinics is indicated.