È possibile predire nell’infanzia le capacità scolastiche e di linguaggio ad 11 anni: i risultati di uno studio di coorte in Australia

It is possible to predict school and language skills at age of 11: the results of a cohort study in Australia Early language skills are essential for preschool learning and subsequent school results, however it is not clear at what time it is possible to predict the subsequent difficulties in an optimal way early, for a timely intervention. This Australian study followed 1.910 children from the age of 7.5-10 months, collecting data on 12 risk factors associated with language development. A subgroup of 839 children was analyzed with full follow-up at 11 years, language assessment at 2, 4, 5, 7 years and evaluation of school results with national tests at 8, 10 and 12 years. Early risk factors were good predictors of school achievement at 11. Language proficiency at 4 years was the best predictor of language outcomes at 11 years. The need for early support to the family environment in the presence of risk factors is confirmed and the best time to decide the need for intervention on language development is identified at the age of 4.