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Early developmental delays: neuropsychological sequelae and subsequent diagnoses
1Behavioral Medicine Department, Walton Rehabilitation Hospital, Augusta, GA 30901, USA. Dr.Perna@juno.com
Applied Neuropsychology. Child
|February 23, 2013
Summary
Early developmental delays in speech or motor skills may lead to visual memory weaknesses and an increased risk for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Child Development
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Developmental delay is common in young children who miss age-expected milestones.
- Long-term cognitive outcomes of early speech and motor delays are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuropsychological profile of children with early speech or motor developmental delays.
- To identify potential long-term cognitive functioning differences in this population.
Main Methods:
- Sixty children completed a battery of neuropsychological tests, including IQ, achievement, executive function, memory, and behavioral assessments.
- The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) and Children's Memory Test (CMT) were key measures.
- Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) controlled for Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) to compare groups.
Main Results:
- Children with early developmental delays showed significantly lower Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ).
- After controlling for FSIQ, the delay group exhibited lower immediate and delayed visual memory skills (CMT).
- The delay group had a higher likelihood of later diagnosis with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but not learning disorders.
Conclusions:
- Early developmental delays may predispose children to visual memory weaknesses and increase ADHD risk.
- Cognitive outcomes suggest potential weaknesses rather than impairments, supporting brain resiliency.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term cognitive impact of early developmental delays.
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