Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 5, 2025
Exploring Infant Sensitivity to Visual Language using Eye Tracking and the Preferential Looking Paradigm
Published on: May 15, 2019
Early visuospatial attention and processing and related neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years in children born very
Victoria A A Beunders1, Marijn J Vermeulen2, Jorine A Roelants1
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Early visuospatial attention in preterm infants predicts later cognitive and motor development. An eye-tracking test can help identify infants at risk for neurodevelopmental issues, enabling timely interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Visuospatial processing is crucial for neurodevelopment.
- Early assessment of visuospatial skills in preterm infants is important for predicting outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between early visuospatial attention and processing and later neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm infants.
- To evaluate the utility of an eye-tracking paradigm for early detection of neurodevelopmental risks.
Main Methods:
- Assessed visuospatial attention and processing in 209 preterm infants (<30 weeks gestation) using eye-tracking at 1 and 2 years.
- Calculated average reaction times to fixation (RTF) for attention (Cartoon stimuli) and processing (Motion and Form stimuli).
- Examined associations between RTFs and cognitive, motor, language, and behavioral outcomes at 2 years using Bayley Scales (Bayley-III), Lexi test, and Child Behavior Checklist.
Main Results:
- Slower RTFs at 1 year were linked to lower cognitive scores on the Bayley-III at 2 years.
- Specifically, 100 ms slower Cartoon and Motion RTFs correlated with decreased cognitive scores.
- A 100 ms slower Cartoon RTF was also associated with a decrease in motor Bayley-III scores.
Conclusions:
- Early visuospatial attention and motion processing at 1 year predict cognitive and motor development at 2 years in preterm infants.
- An eye-tracking test offers a nonverbal method for early identification of preterm infants at risk for adverse neurodevelopment.
- Timely identification facilitates earlier interventions for improved developmental trajectories.
Background:
The ability to perceive and process visuospatial information is a condition for broader neurodevelopment. We examined the association of early visuospatial attention and processing with later neurodevelopmental outcome in very preterm infants.
Methods:
Visuospatial attention and processing was assessed in 209 children (<30 weeks gestation) using an easy applicable eye tracking-based paradigm at 1 and 2 years. Average reaction times to fixation (RTF) on specific visual stimuli were calculated, representing time needed for overall attention (Cartoon stimuli) and processing (Motion and Form stimuli). Associations between RTFs and various measures of development at 2 years including cognitive and motor development (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third edition; Bayley-III), language (Lexi test) and behavior (Child Behavior Checklist) were examined.
Results:
At 1 year, 100 ms slower Cartoon and Motion RTFs were associated with lower cognitive Bayley-III scores (-4.4 points, 95%CI: -7.4; -1.5 and -1.0 points, -1.8; -0.2, respectively). A 100 ms slower Cartoon RTF was associated with a 3.5 (-6.6; -0.5) point decrease in motor Bayley-III score.
Conclusions:
Visuospatial attention and motion processing at 1 year is predictive of overall cognitive and motor development 1 year later. The nonverbal eye tracking-based test can assist in early detection of preterm children at risk of adverse neurodevelopment.
Impact:
Visuospatial attention and processing at 1 year corrected age is predictive for overall cognitive and motor development 1 year later in preterm infants. First study to relate early visuospatial attention and processing with later neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm children. Early detection of preterm children at risk of adverse neurodevelopment, which allows for more timely interventions.
