Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

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

Published on: August 25, 2014

87.4K

Neonatal behavior and social behavior and sensory issues in 18-month toddlers

Akiko Tokunaga1, Tomitaro Akiyama2, Tsunetake Miyamura3

  • 1Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Science, Unit Rehabilitation Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|October 27, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal behavioral assessments, including orientation and motor skills, may predict later social and sensory issues in toddlers. Early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for timely intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal development
  • Developmental pediatrics
  • Autism spectrum disorder research

Background:

  • Early detection and intervention are critical for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Identifying early behavioral markers can facilitate timely support.
  • This study investigates neonatal behavioral predictors of later social and sensory development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively examine the relationship between neonatal behavioral features and social behavior/sensory issues at 18 months.
  • To identify specific neonatal behavioral clusters associated with later developmental outcomes.
  • To explore potential early indicators for autism spectrum disorder risk.

Main Methods:

  • 105 healthy, full-term infants were assessed using the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) within the first week of life.
  • At 18 months, infants were evaluated using the Japanese version of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT-JV) and the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile (ITSP).
  • Statistical analyses included comparisons between M-CHAT-JV positive/negative groups and correlation/regression analyses.

Main Results:

  • 15.2% of infants were M-CHAT-JV positive at 18 months.
  • Significant differences in NBAS orientation and motor clusters were found between M-CHAT-JV positive and negative groups.
  • NBAS orientation and motor clusters correlated with specific sensory processing patterns (e.g., low registration, auditory processing, sensation avoiding, tactile processing).
  • NBAS orientation and ITSP low registration were significant predictors of M-CHAT-JV status at 18 months.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal behavioral features, particularly orientation, are associated with social behavior and sensory profiles at 18 months.
  • These findings suggest the potential utility of NBAS in identifying infants at risk for developmental differences, including those related to ASD.
  • Early identification through neonatal assessments may pave the way for earlier interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scaleautism spectrum disorderprospective studysensory feature

More Related Videos

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect05:04

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

Published on: September 22, 2023

791
Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges08:22

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges

Published on: February 25, 2016

15.8K

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
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.
863
Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
383
Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development01:14

Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development

The sensorimotor stage, the initial phase of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, spans the first two years of a child's life. During this period, infants actively engage with their surroundings, building cognitive awareness through direct interaction with the world. This interaction is primarily based on sensory perception and motor actions, allowing infants to gradually understand basic physical properties and predict how objects interact within their environment.
Exploration...
1.5K
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
550
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences01:28

Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences

Social behavior is a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction between biological predispositions and environmental influences. This intricate interplay shapes how individuals think, feel, and act in various social contexts. Understanding these mechanisms requires insights from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary theory.Environmental Influences on Social BehaviorEnvironmental factors, including temperature, odors, and visual stimuli, play a crucial role in shaping...
196