Abstract
Children with learning and behavior problems may have mild growth suppression when created with stimulant medication for poor attention or hyperactivity. However, data is unavailable substantiating normal growth in untreated children. This study was undertaken to identify any difference in growth parameters of such children compared to national norms. A retrospective analysis was undertaken via chart review of 97 boys between 6 and 11 years of age, with normal intelligence and on no medication, evaluated for learning or behavior problems and diagnosed as learning disabled, attention deficit disorder, and/or minimal cerebral dysfunction. Height and weight were obtained at initial evaluation with a standard medical scale. A z-score was assigned for these values as well as weight-for-height ratio (w/h) based upon the Natl. Ctr. for Health Statistics standards. Analysis of SES, number of behavior problems, IQ, reading quotient, and parental education was performed to identify any correlations with these measures. Height, weight, and w/h showed no statistically significant difference between this group and the general population (mean z-score ± 1 SD: 0.06 ± 1.23, 0.18 ± 1.22, 0.18 ± 1.02, respectively). No correlations were found between these growth measures and the other factors. We conclude that children with learning and behavior problems, including subclasses of these children, are of normal stature and weight.
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Lipkin, P., Shapiro, B. & Capute, A. GROWTH PARAMETERS IN SCHOOL-AGED BOYS WITH LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 182 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00096
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00096
