Early childhood skill acquisition in preschool-aged children born with heart disease

This study compared health status and developmental skill acquisition of children aged 3-5 years with and without CHD and identified predictors of special education or early intervention plan.

Data were analysed from the 2022 National Survey of Children's Health using complex weighted survey data procedures. Chi-square tests compared health status and developmental skill acquisition of children aged 3-5 years with and without CHD. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of the need for special education or early intervention plan.

11,097 National Survey of Children's Health responses pertained to children aged 3-5 years. Children aged 3-5 years with CHD were more likely than heart-healthy peers to be born prematurely, have special healthcare needs, have parent-reported health as "fair" or "poor," be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or a developmental disorder, and receive special education or an early intervention plan. Children aged 3-5 years with CHD were less likely to have acquired communication, fine motor, personal social, and problem-solving skills than comparators at the time of the survey, even after adjustment for special healthcare needs. Having public plus private insurance, special healthcare needs designation, and a developmental disorder predicted children aged 3-5 years needing special education or an early intervention plan.

Children with predictors of receiving special education or an early intervention plan may benefit from early identification and support. Further research should investigate the impact of systemic disparities on developmental skill acquisition in children with CHD.