Neurodevelopmental profiles of Xhosa speaking children in conflict with the law

Abstract

Objective To ascertain the neurodevelopmental characteristics of Xhosa speaking children from Buffalo City, South Africa, who are on trial. Hypothesis Delinquent children have a greater prevalence of neurodevelopmental challenges than non offenders. Design A prospective cross sectional study which uses a series of structured questionnaires in concert with clinical and neurocognitive assessments. Twenty, on trial, males and females, aged between 13 and 17 years old, their parents or guardians and educators were interviewed. The results were compared to general population norms defined by North American populations using Conners’ 2TM Rating Scales, STRANDS self reports and PEERAMID neurodevelopmental examination. The Xhosa Senior South African Individual Scale Revised was used for psychometric testing. Outcome measures Presence of one or more neurodevelopmental disorders including symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disorder and / or neurodevelopmental deficit. Results Ten percent of participants had a diagnosis of ADHD, both were males. Symptoms of ADHD were identified in 64% of males and 33% of females. Neurodevelopmental challenges were present in 94% (17/18). An incidental finding was high levels of anxiety. Conclusions The prevalence of an ADHD diagnosis was not higher than the general population, however, the presence of symptoms was high and supported findings in the literature. Neurodevelopmental challenges were present in the majority. Further research is indicated to ascertain the role of anxiety in this population. The development and validation of culturally appropriate assessment tools is a further identified need.