Group performance differences in reading, math, and science by fourth graders with and without communication disorders.

Undescended testis (UDT) is one of the leading congenital urogenital anomalies among young males. The global incidence of UDT ranges from 1% to 4% in full-term infants to up to 45% among preterm-born males.[] Population-level epidemiologic data on UDT in Saudi Arabia are limited; therefore, hospital-based studies remain important for understanding clinical burden. The American Urologic Association (AUA) and the European Association of Urology (EAU) both emphasize early intervention and recommend orchidopexy between 6 and 18 months of age.[] The majority of surgeons in Saudi Arabia have adopted these guidelines. Regardless of the precise guidelines, delays in surgical interventions are still widespread in our country.[] Many studies have shown that such delays are associated with significant long-term complications, underpinning the need for early and accurate diagnosis. A retrospective population-based cohort study found that delays in performing orchidopexy for UDT could be linked to loss of germ cells, further impacting fertility and increasing the susceptibility to testicular malignancy.[] An early orchidopexy is linked to catch-up testicular growth, which is not visible with orchidopexy performed after the age of 3 years.[] The general population has very little knowledge about the UDT. Moreover, parental hesitation is linked to delays in proper UDT treatment, potentially leading to adverse outcomes. Even a significant number of primary care physicians lack appropriate knowledge of the timing of recommended surgery and skills to detect UDT. A study by Abdulrahman . from Saudi Arabia on the knowledge level of UDT and the reason for delay in surgery showed that about 55% of the general population have not even heard about UDT, and among these, only 18% thought that surgery was needed, while those who have heard about UDT, 72%, thought that surgery was needed.[]