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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

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Infant Neuromotor Development and Childhood Problem Behavior

Fadila Serdarevic1,2, Akhgar Ghassabian3, Tamara van Batenburg-Eddes2

  • 1The Generation R Study Group and.

Pediatrics
|November 16, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Infant neuromotor development, particularly muscle tone and sensory observations, predicts later internalizing problems in children. Early assessment can identify infants at risk for emotional difficulties and guide interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental psychology
  • Pediatric neurology
  • Child psychiatry

Background:

  • Psychiatric disorders in children and adults may stem from neurodevelopmental origins.
  • This study investigates the predictive relationship between infant neuromotor development and behavioral problems in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if infant neuromotor development predicts internalizing and externalizing behaviors in young children.
  • To identify specific neuromotor factors associated with behavioral outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based cohort of 4006 infants in the Netherlands (2002-2006) underwent neuromotor assessment at 2-5 months using an adapted Touwen's Neurodevelopmental Examination.
  • Nonoptimal neuromotor development was defined as scores in the highest tertile.
  • Child behavior was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist at ages 1.5, 3, 6, and 10 years by parents (n=3474).
  • Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze associations.

Main Results:

  • Infant neuromotor development significantly predicted internalizing problem scores, but not externalizing scores.
  • Nonoptimal muscle tone, especially low muscle tone, was associated with higher internalizing scores reported by both mothers and fathers.
  • Associations were also found between sensory and other observations and internalizing scores, while high muscle tone and reflexes showed no relationship.

Conclusions:

  • Early childhood emotional problems have a neurodevelopmental foundation evident in infancy.
  • Infant neuromotor assessment can identify vulnerability to early internalizing symptoms.
  • This assessment offers opportunities for timely, targeted interventions to support child mental health.
Abstract

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