Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Attention problems in very low birth weight preschoolers: are new screening measures needed for this special
Deborah Winders Davis1, Barbara Burns, Elizabeth Snyder
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
Insights
Children born with very low birth weights (VLBW) may have subtle attention deficits not captured by standard behavior checklists. This study found VLBW children
Area of Science:
- Developmental neuroscience
- Pediatric psychology
- Childhood developmental disorders
Background:
- Premature birth is linked to academic achievement delays in children.
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants face developmental challenges.
- Understanding attention deficits in VLBW children is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate attention performance in children born with very low birth weights (VLBW).
- To compare behavioral attention problem scores with objective attention network task performance.
- To identify potential subtle attention deficits specific to VLBW development.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 94 children born with VLBW (<= 1500 grams).
- Utilized the Child Behavior Checklist for attention problem scores.
- Measured performance on tasks evaluating three core attention networks.
Main Results:
- Attention problem scores from the Child Behavior Checklist were very low.
- Behavioral scores did not correlate with actual attention network performance.
- This suggests standard checklists may not detect VLBW-specific attention issues.
Conclusions:
- VLBW children may exhibit unique, subtle attention problems.
- These attention deficits may not be apparent through typical behavioral assessments.
- Further research is needed to characterize VLBW-related attention networks and inform interventions.
Problem:
Children born prematurely have been shown to have a range of problems that often result in delayed academic achievement.
Methods:
The current study assessed both attention problem scores (Child Behavior Checklist) and actual performance on tasks tapping three attention networks in a sample of children (n = 94) born with very low birth weights (VLBW; < or = 1500 grams).
Findings:
Attention problem scores were extremely low and did not predict children's actual attention performance.
Conclusions:
A body of research is developing that suggests VLBW children may have specific, yet subtle, attention problems that may differ from those of other children.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:23Binet's Contribution to Measures of Intelligence
01:30Information Processing Approach