Early cognitive ability and emotional-behavioural development in childhood

Abstract Background Children with below average cognitive ability represent a substantial yet under-researched population for whom and social demands, which increase in complexity year by year, may pose significant challenge. This study compares trajectories emotional-behavioural development children without examines the independent association between clinically difficulty (EBD) childhood. Methods Participants consist of 7,000 caregivers from Growing Up Ireland survey. Cognitive was measured at age 3 using Picture Similarities Scale. A t-score 1-2 standard deviations mean categorised as (n = 767), scores above this average/above 6418). EBD Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) 3,5 9 years. generalised linear mixed model repeated measures used to examine relationship SDQ. Logistic regression examined EBDs 3-9 Results The change total SDQ score over time differed significantly groups (F(2)=8·817, p < 0·001). Between 5-9 years, there no those ability. For 0·48 points (95% CI 0·34 - 0·62, After adjustment, odds were 1.4 times higher (AOR 1.39, 95% 1.17-1.66, 0.001). Conclusions are risk scalable method early identification should be research priority public health, enabling intervention adaptive outcomes. Key messages experience throughout childhood compared or Early life is critical period development. Public health must focus on enable functioning interventions.