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Updated: Jan 23, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Neonatal EEG linked to individual differences in socioemotional outcomes and autism risk in toddlers
Natalie H Brito1, Amy J Elliott2,3, Joseph R Isler4
1Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, New York.
Insights
Neonatal electroencephalography (EEG) power in specific brain regions may predict later socioemotional problems in male infants. Lower EEG activity was linked to higher risk, suggesting potential for early identification of neurodevelopmental differences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Electroencephalography (EEG) measures brain activity and maturation.
- Cortical activity in infancy is linked to cognitive development.
- Early identification of neurodevelopmental differences is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate correlations between neonatal EEG and later socioemotional behaviors or neurocognitive delays.
- To explore potential early neural biomarkers for atypical development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized neonatal EEG data from 129 infants.
- Administered parental report developmental assessments (BITSEA) to children aged 24-36 months.
- Analyzed associations between neonatal EEG frequencies and socioemotional risk scores.
Main Results:
- Significant associations found between neonatal EEG power in frontal polar, temporal, and parietal regions and BITSEA Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) risk scores.
- Lower EEG power in these areas correlated with higher risk for socioemotional problems.
- Sex differences observed: significant links found in males, but not females.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal EEG shows promise as a biomarker for later socioemotional atypicalities.
- Findings suggest potential for early identification and intervention in neurodevelopmental trajectories.
- Further research is needed to understand sex-specific patterns in early neural development and behavior.
Abstract:
Research using electroencephalography (EEG) as a measure of brain function and maturation has demonstrated links between cortical activity and cognitive processes during infancy and early childhood. The current study examines whether neonatal EEG is correlated with later atypical socioemotional behaviors or neurocognitive delays. Parental report developmental assessments were administered to families with children ages 24 to 36 months who had previously participated in a neonatal EEG study (N = 129). Significant associations were found between neonatal EEG (higher frequencies in the frontal polar, temporal, and parietal brain regions) and BITSEA ASD risk scores. Infants with lower EEG power in these brain areas were more likely to have higher risk of socioemotional problems. When examining sex differences, significant links were found for males but not for females. These results demonstrate some promising associations between early neural biomarkers and later risk for atypical behaviors, which may shape early neurobehavioral development and could lead to earlier identification and intervention.
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