Premature and Low-birth Weight Children By Tina Figueroa and Doris Russell

Identification of Characteristics 1. Asthma 2. Behavior Issues 3. Eye Damage (ROP, glasses, Myopia, blindness) 4. Speech Impairment 5. Feeding Problems 6. ADHD 7. Learning Disabilities 8. Cerebral Palsy 9. Muscle Tone Issue 10. Fine Motor Problems

(cont.) Identification of Characteristics 11. Autism 12.Aspergers Syndrome 13. Gastrointestinal Issues 14.Hearing Loss or Deafness 15. Mental Retardation

Impact on Adaptive Skills Premature birth and low birth weight children may have sensory disorders, eye damage, feeding problems, low muscle tone and sometimes Cerebral Palsy. Any, or all of these problems, could have an affect on their adaptive skills in the following areas of self care. 1. Self feeding 2. Dressing 3. Toileting 4. Bathing 5. Grooming 6. Sleep problems

Impact on Personal/Social Skills 1. Higher levels of anxiety 2. Depression and aggression 3. Lower self concept 4. Have more disturbances at home and school. 5. Show more signs of impulsivity, social control and inability to cope with novel situations

Impact on Communication Skills Warning signs! 1. No eye contact, smiling or interacting with others. 2. Does not make feelings known. 3. No understanding of words. Beware of the sleeper phenomenon! (Some of these signs do not show up until preschool or school age.)

Impact on Motor Skills 1. Under developing muscle tone hinders the gross motor ability. ( crawling, walking, running, jumping, and climbing.) 2. Fine motor problems can stem from sensory deficits, perceptual difficulties, behavior issues and cognitive delays

Impact on Cognitive Skills 1. When the brain develops prematurely outside the womb, a child is easily open to developmental disturbances. 2. Children born 3 months prematurely are more likely to struggle in school % or all preemies have some sort of learning disability % receive special education and require extra help in math, reading, speech, language and physical therapy.

Interventions and Strategies 1. Talk, read and sing to your child and respond to their cues. 2.Establish a routine and organize information about your child. 3. Enroll your child in early intervention and get developmental screening throughout childhood. 4.Encourage safe play and exercise with equipment to promote muscle development. 5. Supply age appropriate toys with fine motor manipulations. 6. Get support. Information through preemie child mailing lists, web sites, local support groups,

(cont.) Strategies for Early Intervention 7. Use adaptive equipment to help your child be self sufficient. 8. Visit appropriate specialists for developmental delays. i.e. (Speech pathologist, occupational therapist, pediatric gastroenterologist, developmental pediatrician, ophthalmologist, audiologist) 9. Recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of your child!

Summary A quarter of a million babies are born prematurely each year. Children born less than 2 pounds at birth are subject to a variety of learning disabilities. The latest research has made us aware that the academic and behavioral problems of the premature, or low birth weight child, may remain undiscovered until they reach school age. With the advances of neonatology, doctors are saving more premature babies every day. As they grow and develop, parents and doctors cannot foresee what challenges will occur in their lifetime.

Resources (American Academy of Pediatrics) wwwchop.edu (Hopkins Children’s Center)