Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
Rates of early intervention services in very preterm children with developmental disabilities at age 2 years
Gehan Roberts1, Kelly Howard, Alicia J Spittle
1Victorian Infant Brain Study Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. gehan.roberts@rch.org.au
Insights
Very preterm infants with disabilities often do not receive timely early intervention (EI) services. Children with higher social risk are less likely to access EI, highlighting gaps in care for vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care and developmental pediatrics
- Public health and healthcare disparities
Background:
- Preterm birth rates are rising, leading to increased neurodevelopmental disabilities in children.
- Early intervention (EI) is crucial for managing developmental delays, but access remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between disability levels at age 2 years and EI service utilization in very preterm infants.
- To examine the impact of social risk factors on EI service access among this vulnerable cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 236 very preterm infants (gestational age < 30 weeks or birthweight < 1250 g) recruited at birth.
- Children underwent comprehensive assessments at 2 years; EI and social risk data were collected via parental questionnaires.
- Disability was categorized as none, mild, or moderate to severe.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of very preterm children exhibited some form of disability by age 2.
- Children with moderate to severe disabilities were more likely to receive EI services than those with mild disabilities (51.1% vs. 27.9%).
- Higher social risk was independently associated with reduced likelihood of receiving EI services (OR 0.25; P = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Current follow-up, referral, and EI services inadequately support very preterm children, particularly those with combined biological and social risks.
- There is a critical need to address systemic barriers to ensure equitable access to essential developmental support for vulnerable preterm infants.
Aim:
Preterm birth is increasing in prevalence and long-term follow-up studies have documented high rates of neurosensory, intellectual, academic and behavioural disabilities. The importance of early intervention (EI) is well recognised but significant barriers to receiving EI exist in the community. This study explores the association of levels of disability at age 2 years with EI services and social risk in a large cohort of very preterm children.
Methods:
This was a cohort study of 236 very preterm (gestational age < 30 weeks or birthweight < 1250 g) infants recruited at birth. Children were assessed comprehensively at age 2 years, and EI and social risk data were gathered via parental questionnaire. Disability levels were assigned as none, mild, or moderate to severe. The relationships of disability level to EI services and social risk were determined.
Results:
Of the initial cohort, data from 227 (97%) were available at age 2 years. Overall, 50.7% (115/227) of children had some disability. A significant difference was present (P < 0.001) between the rates of EI and disability, with only 27.9% of children with a mild disability receiving EI services compared with 51.1% of children with a moderate to severe disability. After adjustment for level of disability, those of higher social risk were less likely to receive EI services (odds ratio 0.25; 95% confidence interval 0.11-0.56; P = 001).
Conclusions:
Currently available follow-up, referral and EI services underserve the most vulnerable children in our community, those with a combination of biological and social risk factors for developmental disabilities.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:22Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
01:27Introduction to Developmental Psychology
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...