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Home › Articles › Preemies › Developmental Difficulties

Developmental Difficulties

When Premature Infants Fall Behind

By Gwen Morrison

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Phelan recalls that her daughter was always underweight, even in later childhood years. "She just didn't eat," says Phelan. "As she got older, she was plagued with bowel and urinary tract problems that doctors have linked to her premature birth."

Carey Vlardi of Burlingame, Calif., gave birth 17 weeks early to her son in 1997. "He didn't sit up until he was about 9 months old and walked at 19 months," she says. "His fine motor skills are also delayed. He also has sensory integration dysfunction, which I am sure is associated with the prematurity. He doesn't like to hold a pencil, and he can't write yet."

Pinto-Martin reminds parents that all children who are born prematurely – even those who were not so small at birth – must be followed carefully to ensure that problems are recognized as soon as possible.

Following Progress
With high-risk children, it is appropriate to use in-depth screening and evaluation. The tests used routinely on the general population should not be relied on to gather accurate information for high-risk developmental problems. The follow-up for high-risk infants should involve periodic screening for sensory impairment, developmental delays and any other condition for which the child may be considered at an increased risk.

The follow-up should ultimately involve close evaluation of the medical, psychological and social factors in addition to assessment of the child's developmental progress.

"Be aware that paperwork and referral systems in your state may be a long, tedious process," says Wilson, remembering the struggles when getting help for her son at an early age. "Whatever you do, don't give up. If you believe your child may have a speech delay, keep making those phone calls."


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