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On the Effectiveness of Developmental Screenings: Evidence from a Nationwide Program in Austria

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  • Pruckner, Gerald J.
  • Halla, Martin
  • Schober, Thomas

Abstract

Early intervention is considered as the optimal response to developmental disorders in children. However, relatively little is known about the effectiveness of the standard practice of so-called developmental screenings. We evaluate a nationwide program for preschoolers in Austria. Identification of treatment effects is based on a sharp discontinuity in the eligibility for a financial incentive to participate in this program with respect to the date of birth. Assigned children are about 14 percentage points more likely to be screened. In the short-run, screening participation leads to follow-up medical treatment. This effect is substantially larger for children from families with low socioeconomic status (SES). This suggests that the program helps to identify and treat developmental disorders in particular among low SES children. In the longer run, we find weak evidence for dampening effects on health care cost.

Suggested Citation

  • Pruckner, Gerald J. & Halla, Martin & Schober, Thomas, 2015. "On the Effectiveness of Developmental Screenings: Evidence from a Nationwide Program in Austria," VfS Annual Conference 2015 (Muenster): Economic Development - Theory and Policy 113020, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
  • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc15:113020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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