Predicting language outcomes from early processing efficiency in preterm children

2011

Early behavioral and neural markers of adverse language outcomes in children at risk on the basis of prematurity, other health concerns or poverty remain underspecified. Standardized tests of general intelligence and language at young ages often reveal poor performance of pre-term children relative to full-term peers. However, these assessments are insensitive to specific weaknesses that might accumulate to cause language-based learning disorders or intellectual disabilities. We need alternative methods of language assessment in this population in order to explore the pathogenesis of disorders, make accurate predictions of later outcomes, and present appropriate targets for intervention prior to school age. Ultimately, understanding early indications of abnormal development in relation to the neural injuries that accompany pre-term birth may provide a detailed account of the neural basis of typical and atypical language development.

Child Language, Prematurity, Billingualism

Performing Research or Evaluation

Health-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals

Geographic Areas, Geographic Area - Other, Specific Groups, Other

National

N/A