Kate J Fitzsimons|Lynn P. Copley|Efrosini Setakis|Susan C. Charman|Scott Deacon|Lorraine Dearden|Jan van der Meulen
Early academic achievement in children with isolated clefts: a population-based study in England
Royal College of Surgeons of England|Royal College of Surgeons of England|University College London|London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine|Royal College of Surgeons of England|University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust|University College London|London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
objectives used national data study differences academic achievement 5yearold children isolated oral cleft general population also assessed differences cleft type methods children born england oral cleft identified national cleft registry records linked databases hospital admissions identify additional anomalies educational outcomes zscores signed number sd actual score national average calculated make outcome scores comparable across school years across six assessed areas personal development communication language maths knowledge world physical development creative development results 2802 children without additional anomalies 5 years old 2006 2012 included academic achievement significantly national average six assessed areas zscores ranging 024 95 ci 032 016 knowledge world 031 038 023 personal development differences small cleft lip considerably larger clefts involving palate 294 children documented special education needs national rate 97 varied according cleft type 132 cleft lip 476 bilateral cleft lip palate conclusions compared national average 5yearold children isolated oral cleft especially involving palate significantly poorer academic achievement across areas learning outcomes reflect results modern surgical techniques multidisciplinary approach children cleft may benefit extra academic support starting school