Optimizing trajectories of social adaptive competencies after extreme prematurity during the first 1000 days

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disabilities
• Developmental pediatrics
• Child neurology

Background:

• Over 75% of extremely preterm infants survive but many experience subtle neurodevelopmental challenges.
• These "minor" deficits in communication, attention, and executive function can negatively impact educational and social outcomes.
• Such challenges can lead to long-term physical, behavioral, and social health issues in adulthood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review assessment tools for social-emotional and adaptive skills in early childhood.
• To examine the intersection of parental wellbeing, medical/developmental trajectories, and professional partnerships.
• To explore strategies for engaging parents to promote positive developmental trajectories in the first 1000 days.

Main Methods:

• Review of assessment tools for social-emotional and adaptive functioning.
• Case study highlighting bronchopulmonary dysplasia and its associated factors.
• Examination of studies on parent engagement and parent-child interaction.

Main Results:

• Early assessment tools are crucial for identifying needs and guiding support for young children.
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia illustrates the complex interplay of medical, developmental, and parental factors.
• Parental engagement and supportive interactions are vital for fostering communication, social skills, and learning.

Conclusions:

• Neurodevelopmental surveillance and screening are essential for extremely preterm infants.
• Recommendations for screening can be extended to infants with other neurodevelopmental risk factors.
• Focusing on early childhood supports and parent-child interactions is critical for long-term outcomes.