Speech disorders and grade retention in elementary

Purpose to verify the prevalence of speech sound disorders (SSD) and its association to grade retention. Methods 1,810 children, randomly selected and regularly registered in the 1st grade of Elementary Public Schools have been submitted to a speech sound disorder screening test (TERDAF). Data related to age and history of grade retention of the children elected to this study were collected in the school records after being authorized by children’s parents. Association between SSD and grade retention were calculated by prevalence ratio and its 95% confidence interval. Results children with SSD had more chances to grade retention when compared to those without this (PR 1.3; 95%CI: 1.1 – 1.5). The prevalence of SSD in this sample was 25%, taking into account the values of sensitivity and specificity of the screening test used. It was also verified that children with SSD have 1.3 times the risk to present history of grade retention, when compared to children without such disorders. Conclusion the prevalence of SSD when the phonological acquisition must have been established denotes that such cluster is more prevalent than what literature is used to pointing out once few population epidemiologic studies concerning human communication are carried through.