Language and Fine Motor Outcomes of Children Born Prematurely: Hidden Deficits

The goal of this study was to provide preliminary data on fine motor and language outcomes of children born prematurely in a Northern Ontario, Canada, hospital. Participants (n=91) had a mean gestational age of 31.0 wks (SD 2.8) and a mean birth weight of 1.65 kg (SD 0.53). A retrospective chart review was conducted on all children monitored by an interdisciplinary Follow-Up Program, assessed by the same clinician from 0-2 years. Overall, the results demonstrated that the majority of children assessed fell within the average range in their fine motor development; a greater incidence of delays were noted in language development. The largest proportion of children referred to speech-language therapy were born very preterm and/or with low birthweight; those referred to occupational therapy were most often born late preterm and/or with low birthweight. At the time of the last appointment, approximately 30% of participants had delays in both fine motor and language development, the largest proportion born late preterm, those historically perceived to be at lower risk. Of these, 100% had been previously identified as delayed in language and 40% in fine motor development. These results demonstrate the high prevalence, low morbidity deficits in all categories of premature children. Given the significant relationship between motor development, social cognition, language and social interactions, the early identification and referral of these children is imperative.