Abstract
In young children, there has been documentation of an association between neurodevelopmental dysfunctions and problems with learning, behavior, and social adjustment. Less is known about this association in adolescents. An adolescent neurodevelopmental examination was compiled and administered to 54 delinquents and 51 secondary school students. Six areas were assessed. There was no significant differences in the prevalence of minor neurological signs (p=.37) or in gross motor function (p=.02). The delinquents showed more deficits of fine motor function (p=.02) and sequential memory (p=.04). The greatest differences were in visual processing (p=.002) and auditory-language function (p=.001). Eighteen percent of delinquents and 4% of the comparison group were deficient in 2 or more neurodevelopmental areas. Nine percent of the delinquents and none of the comparison group had 3 or more dysfunctions.
There is a high prevalence of chronic developmental dysfunction among delinquent adolescents. These may have been undiagnosed, poorly managed, or resistant to treatment.
A neurodevelopmental examination is a useful diagnostic tool for identifying endogenous factors in behavior, learning, and adjustment problems of this age group. Such findings have implications for policy and formulation of individualized management strategies.
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Karniski, W., Levine, M., Clarke, S. et al. 21 A STUDY OF THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DEFICITS AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 443 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00030
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00030