[SOPESS results and medical recommendations for school beginners]

Abstract

Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of results of a developmental screening for school entry and procedures initiated by school doctors.

Method: Based on achievement in SOPESS of 372 children (188 female, 184 male) and the resulting recommendations of the school doctors, the distribution of frequencies in cross-classified tables was analysed, and Cramer's V was calculated.

Results: No sex differences were found in early numeracy and coordination skills. Girls performed more frequently without any problems in the other domains assessed by SOPESS. Recommendations of school doctors referring to clarification of the finding or treatment are lower than the frequencies of critical results in SOPESS. This effect is especially critical in the domains of numeracy and attention. Critical SOPESS achievements in numeracy are found in 12% (attention: 10,2%) of the children, but only 0,5% (attention: 2,4%) are given recommendations for further treatment. An increase of documentation for parent counselling can be observed.

Conclusion: Documentation of the findings shows that medical recommendations for most domains of SOPESS are in accordance with frequencies of critical screening results. Further information is necessary for the domains of attention and numeracy.