Priority 7 from the Learning Difficulties Scotland PSP

UNCERTAINTY: How can we best identify early features, symptoms and signs of learning difficulties amongst children, young people and their families/carers? (JLA PSP Priority 7)
Overall ranking	7
JLA question ID	0070/7
Explanatory note	Not available for this PSP
Evidence	J. L. Williams, J. Miciak, L. McFarland, J. Wexler. (2016). Learning disability identification criteria and reporting in empirical research: A review of 2001-2013. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 31(4): 221-229. DOI: 10.1111/ldrp.12119 AF. El-Behadli, EN. Neger, EC. Perrin, RC. Sheldrick. (2015). Translations of Developmental Screening Instruments: An Evidence Map of Available Research. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 36(6): 471-483. DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000193 L. Zwaigenbaum, ML. Bauman, D. Fein, et al. (2015). Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recommendations for Practice and Research. Pediatrics, 136(suppl 1): S41-59. doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-3667D
Health Research Classification System category	Mental Health

Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples	Identifying underlying causes - genetic etc - I think this is often overlooked and feel strongly that families should be offered investigations - not to change/fix child but to help families come to terms and/or plan for future. ~ Current research suggests that children with autism can be diagnosed as early as infants based on how specific social interactions and eye gaze/attention. Is there any research like this being conducted on families with a history of learning disabilities? ~ Can genetic conditions known to cause learning difficulties be identified in babies?
Submitted by	Professionals x 33 ~ parents/carers x 26 ~ Adults who experienced learning difficulties as a child x 3 ~ child/young person x 0

Extra information provided by this PSP

Original uncertainty examples

Identifying underlying causes - genetic etc - I think this is often overlooked and feel strongly that families should be offered investigations - not to change/fix child but to help families come to terms and/or plan for future. ~ Current research suggests that children with autism can be diagnosed as early as infants based on how specific social interactions and eye gaze/attention. Is there any research like this being conducted on families with a history of learning disabilities? ~ Can genetic conditions known to cause learning difficulties be identified in babies?

Submitted by

Professionals x 33 ~ parents/carers x 26 ~ Adults who experienced learning difficulties as a child x 3 ~ child/young person x 0

PSP information
PSP unique ID	0070
PSP name	Learning Difficulties (Scotland)
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP.	40 (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop	11 June 2018