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Perinatal influences on academic achievement and the developing brain: a scoping systematic review

Deborah Schneider1,2, Florence Bouhali3, Caroline G Richter4

  • 1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States.

Frontiers in Psychology
|July 4, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Neuroimaging reveals how prematurity and prenatal alcohol exposure impact brain development and academic achievement. Early life factors significantly influence cognitive skills and learning outcomes in children.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Educational Psychology

Background:

  • Developmental programming and neurodevelopment are critical for academic achievement.
  • Understanding the impact of early life factors like prematurity and prenatal exposures is essential for identifying at-risk children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize research on neuroimaging and achievement assessments.
  • To examine the relationships between developmental programming, neurodevelopment, and academic achievement in reading and mathematics.

Main Methods:

  • PRISMA-compliant systematic review of 47 studies.
  • Inclusion of studies using neuroimaging (e.g., MRI) and academic assessments.
  • Focus on research examining prematurity and prenatal alcohol exposure.

Main Results:

  • Prematurity and prenatal alcohol exposure are linked to altered neurodevelopmental processes.
  • White matter integrity and volume are consistently associated with cognitive and academic performance.
  • Neuroimaging revealed differences in brain activation and structure in affected children, impacting executive functioning, attention, and academic skills.

Conclusions:

  • Prematurity and prenatal alcohol exposure significantly affect neurodevelopment and academic achievement.
  • Neuroimaging provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying these effects.
  • Further research is recommended to address limitations and refine interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
academic achievementfetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)mathematicsneurodevelopmentneuroimagingperinatal insultsprematurityreading

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