School disposal and performance for children of different birthweight Born 1953-1960

Abstract

The school disposal and performance of children of different birth weight born 1953-60 is discussed. The incidence of moderate or severe mental, neurological, or physical handicap increased steadily with decreasing birthweight from 1% of normal birth weight controls, to 64% of those who were 1250 g. or less at birth. Of 596 children born 1953-55 nearly 80% were retained in the survey until secondary school transfer at age 11-13 years. Low birthweight children were less likely to be selected for courses requiring a higher level of academic competence than were heavier children from similar types of home. Mean IQ score on tests applied at the transfer examination fell with decreasing birthweight in all social groups. A difference in IQ score by birthweight was still evident when all with moderate or severe handicaps were excluded. Low birthweight boys had a higher incidence of handicap and of impairment in normal school than did low birthweight girls. Differences in disturbed behaviour by birthweight were less marked at 11-12 years than at 6-7 years.