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Speech and language outcomes in preschool-aged survivors of neonatal intensive care
L McAllister1, C Masel, D Tudehope
1Department of Speech and Hearing, University of Queensland, Australia.
Insights
Speech and language problems in children needing neonatal intensive care increased slightly by preschool age. Excluding severe neurological issues, communication problems remained low, highlighting key influencing factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care survivors face potential speech and language challenges.
- Longitudinal studies are crucial for tracking developmental trajectories in this cohort.
- Understanding evolving risk factors is essential for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on speech and language outcomes at preschool age in children requiring neonatal intensive care.
- To investigate the influence of perinatal, medical, and environmental variables on these outcomes.
- To identify changes in influential factors from age 3 to preschool age.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal follow-up study of a cohort of children.
- Assessment of speech and language outcomes at preschool age.
- Analysis of perinatal, medical, and environmental variables' impact.
Main Results:
- Major overall communication problems rose from 13% at age 3 to 17% at preschool age.
- Excluding children with neurological/intellectual issues, the rate was 8% at preschool age.
- Gender, gestational age, and respiratory distress syndrome emerged as new factors for language expression; maternal education became more critical for comprehension.
Conclusions:
- Speech and language development in high-risk neonates is dynamic and influenced by evolving factors.
- Early identification and targeted interventions considering factors like maternal education are vital.
- Further research into factors influencing improvement or lack thereof is warranted.
Abstract:
This paper reports on the second stage of a longitudinal follow-up of the speech and language outcomes in a cohort of children who required neonatal intensive care. From 3 years of age, when the first stage was completed, to preschool age, the rate for major overall communication problems rose from 13% to 17%. However, when children with frank neurological or intellectual problems were excluded, this figure dropped to 8%. The impact of perinatal, medical and environmental variables on speech and language outcomes was again investigated. Differences were found between those that were important at 3 years of age and those that were important at preschool age. New variables emerged as contributing to language expression, including gender and the perinatal variables, gestational age and respiratory distress syndrome. Maternal education level was even more important to language comprehension at preschool age than at 3 years of age. Factors that might explain improvement, or lack of improvement, in speech and language skills are discussed.