A screening on Specific Learning Disorders in an Italian speaking high genetic homogeneity area.

The aim of the present research is to investigate the prevalence of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) in Ogliastra, a particular area of Sardinia, Italy. Having experienced centuries of isolation, Ogliastra has become a high genetic homogeneity area, particularly interesting for studies on different kinds of pathologies. Here we are going to describe the results of a screening carried out throughout 2 consecutive years in 49 second grade classes (24 considered in the first year and 25 in the second year of the study) of the Ogliastra region. A total of 610 pupils (average age 7.54 years; 293 female, 317 male) corresponding to 68.69% of all pupils who were attending second grade in the area, took part in the study. The tool used for the screening was the "RSR-DSA. Questionnaire for the detection of learning difficulties and disorders", which allowed to identify 83 subjects at risk (13.61% of the whole sample involved in the study). These took part in an enhancement training program carried out for about 6 months. After the program, pupils underwent assessment for reading, writing and calculation abilities, as well as a cognitive assessment. According to the results of the assessment, the prevalence of SLDs was 6.06%. 4.75% of the total sample manifested dyslexia in isolation or in comorbidity with other disorders. According to the first national epidemiological investigation carried out in Italy, the prevalence of SLDs is 3.1-3.2%, which is lower that the prevalence obtained in the present study. This result, together with the presence of several cases of SLD in isolation (17.14%) and with a 3:1 ratio of males to females diagnosed with a SLD (which is typical of several pathologies, disorders or characteristics with a genetic origin), can be interpreted as a confirmation of the genetic basis of SLDs.