Epidemiology of Child Developmental Problems: The Extent of the Problems of Poor Development in Children from Deprived Backgrounds

Abstract

The causes of negative child outcomes need to be reconceptualized in terms of the effects of multiple risks. This paper reviews the extent of the problems associated with adverse development in children from deprived backgrounds using two parallel lines of research: epidemiological evidence and early intervention. Epidemiological studies suggest that multiple risk factors interact, magnifying the chances of non-optimal development for at-risk populations. Furthermore, evidence from intervention studies suggests that full-service intervention models are the most effective format for reducing poor developmental outcomes for at-risk children.