Neurodevelopmental multimorbidity and educational outcomes of Scottish schoolchildren: A population-based record linkage cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neurodevelopmental conditions commonly coexist in children, but compared to adults, childhood multimorbidity attracts less attention in research and clinical practice. We previously reported that children treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression have more school absences and exclusions, additional support needs, poorer attainment, and increased unemployment. They are also more likely to have coexisting conditions, including autism and intellectual disability. We investigated prevalence of neurodevelopmental multimorbidity (≥2 conditions) among Scottish schoolchildren and their educational outcomes compared to peers.

Methods and findings

We retrospectively linked 6 Scotland-wide databases to analyse 766,244 children (390,290 [50.9%

SUBMITTER: Fleming M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7553326 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature