Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective: To detect cases of pervasive developmental disorders among a sample of primary school students in Mosul city.
Design and method: A descriptive study including 137 students boys and girls of the second class in Al-Thawra, Al-Ghazali and Abi-Tamam primary schools.
A questionnaire paper was used which was filled by the teachers after discussing all the matters with them by the investigator. Rechecking was done and evaluation of the three categories involved in the paper (social interaction difficulties, language defects and conduct disorders). The students were divided into three groups according to the scores on the items of the scales. Group three with high marks in some questions (3, 4) were studied further including any risk factors for their defects, their midyear exam results and their marks in Arabic language. Statistical analysis was done to evaluate the collected data.
Results: No case of autism or related disorder was detected. Other problems were detected which were more among males. The commonest problems were being aloof with their own world and excessive fear of noises. Two boys in Al-Thawra school had some conduct disorders and another two had delay in language and speech. Those with language defects had low marks in Arabic language of midyear examination.
Conclusion: Problems in social interactions, speech and behavior were important to look for among students which may affect their progress at school.
