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Sensory processing in preterm preschoolers and its association with executive function

Jenna N Adams1, Heidi M Feldman1, Lynne C Huffman1

  • 1Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, United States.

Early Human Development
|February 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Preterm preschoolers show more sensory processing symptoms than full-term peers. These symptoms are linked to executive function impairments, highlighting a crucial area for early intervention and further research.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Abnormal sensory processing is linked to preterm birth but underexplored in preschoolers.
  • Understanding sensory processing's role in preterm child development is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare sensory processing symptoms in preterm versus full-term preschoolers.
  • To investigate the association between sensory processing, executive function, and adaptive function in preterm preschoolers.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 54 preterm (≤34 weeks gestation) and 73 full-term (≥37 weeks gestation) children aged 3-5 years.
  • Sensory processing assessed via Short Sensory Profile.
  • Executive function evaluated through parent ratings (BRIEF-P) and performance tasks.
  • Adaptive function measured using Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II.

Main Results:

  • Preterm preschoolers exhibited significantly more sensory symptoms than full-term controls (37% vs. 12% with elevated symptoms).
  • Sensory symptoms in preterm preschoolers were associated with executive function measures.
  • No significant association was found between sensory symptoms and adaptive function in this group.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm preschoolers demonstrate a higher prevalence of sensory symptoms compared to full-term peers.
  • Elevated sensory symptoms in preterm preschoolers correlate with executive function deficits.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between sensory processing and executive function as distinct or overlapping constructs.
Abstract

Keywords:
Adaptive functionExecutive functionPreterm birthSensory processing

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