IMPACT AND CONSEQUENCES OF SPECIFIC SPELL ING PROBLEMS OF YOUNG-ADULTS - RESULTS OF AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC SAMPLE

Impact and consequences of specific spelling problems of young adults -results of an epidemiological sample. Objective: With reference to an epidemiological sample of adolescents and young adults the impact of different models on the number of children classified as having specif ic spelling problems is investigated. Method: Using the same set of da ta, the effect of alternative definitions and methodological procedure s on the prevalence of specific spelling retardation is shown. The vir tual consequences of various norm-orientated definitions of cases is d iscussed with reference to external empirical criteria. Results: Parti cularly, obsolete norms lead to a large overestimation of cases. In th e present study case definitions of specific spelling retardation base d on substantial criteria result in prevalence rates between 6 and 9 p ercent. Academic achievement is considerably affected by persisting sp ecific spelling problems and the attendance of secondary schools is ra re, in spite of sufficient nonverbal intelligence. Conclusions: Becaus e of the high impact of spelling ability for educational success, dysl exic children need help by early intervention. Furthermore scholastic promotion is necessary to enable a school carer appropriate to the int ellectual possibilities of the child.