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Published on: April 19, 2024
The Continuum of Environmental Effects on Preterm Speech and Language Development and Outcomes
Julia Mayne1,2, Betty Vohr1,2
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI; and.
Objective:
Examine the trajectories of speech and language delay and proficiency, risk factors contributing to outcomes, and efficacy of interventions for preterm infants from infancy to adulthood.
Method:
Review the literature on speech and language outcomes of preterm infants from infancy to adulthood.
Results:
Speech and language delays continue to be a common challenge among preterm-born infants, with important biological and socioenvironmental factors contributing to long-term language impairment as well as recovery. The variable preterm infant language experience in-utero, in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and in the home environment plays an important role in outcomes. Evidence suggests a lasting impact of prematurity on language outcomes in early childhood through adulthood.
Conclusion:
There is a need for clinician recognition and implementation of interventions that promote positive language input in the NICU and the home, combined with parent, professional, and community-based partnerships to nurture and facilitate a language-rich environment.
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