Behavioral and Socioemotional Development in Preterm Children

Clin Perinatol. 2018 Sep;45(3):529-546. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2018.05.003. Epub 2018 Jun 18.

Abstract

Prematurity is a significant risk factor for impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes. These include motor, cognitive, language, behavioral, and socioemotional competence. Long-term overall function depends on healthy socioemotional functioning. The vulnerability of the preterm brain during critical periods of development contributes to behavioral and socioemotional problems in preterm children. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinical features are more frequent in preterm children compared with their full-term counterparts; however, true rates of ASD and ADHD vary across studies. Early detection of behavioral and socioemotional problems in preterm children would enable timely early intervention to improve long-term functional outcomes.

Keywords: ADHD; Autism; Behavior; Prematurity; Socioemotional.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology
  • Brain / growth & development*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior*
  • Child Development*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Critical Period, Psychological
  • Early Intervention, Educational
  • Emotions*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Social Behavior*