A Novel Way to Measure and Predict Development: A Heuristic Approach to Facilitate the Early Detection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewSubstantial research exists focusing on the various aspects and domains of early human development. However, there is a clear blind spot in early postnatal development when dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially those that manifest themselves clinically only in late infancy or even in childhood.Recent FindingsThis early developmental period may represent an important timeframe to study these disorders but has historically received far less research attention. We believe that only a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach will enable us to detect and delineate specific parameters for specific neurodevelopmental disorders at a very early age to improve early detection/diagnosis, enable prospective studies and eventually facilitate randomised trials of early intervention.SummaryIn this article, we propose a dynamic framework for characterising neurofunctional biomarkers associated with specific disorders in the development of infants and children. We have named this automated detection ‘Fingerprint Model’, suggesting one possible approach to accurately and early identify neurodevelopmental disorders.

Predictive validity of spontaneous early infant movement for later cerebral palsy: a systematic review

“…The predictive validity of fidgety movements using the Prechtl GMA in this study is consistent with the results of previous reviews of the Prechtl GMA. 9,10 There was inconsistent reporting of studies' interpretation of pathological postures such as ATNR or limb movement quality, resulting in variable threshold levels that limited the ability to pool predictive validity of these postures. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to use meta-analysis to assess the predictive validity of writhing and fidgety movements under the Prechtl GMA and general movements according to Hadders-Algra separately, with Prechtl's method having better predictive validity for CP.…”

“…Capturing infant movements remotely at this critical age within the family home can be facilitated by technologies such as parent-operated smartphone applications. 9,10 There was inconsistent reporting of studies' interpretation of pathological postures such as ATNR or limb movement quality, resulting in variable threshold levels that limited the ability to pool predictive validity of these postures. There was also insufficient detail in studies to establish whether certain postures or asymmetries resulted in specific types or topography of CP.…”

“…4 However, delaying intervention until the time of diagnosis may result in missed opportunities to implement intervention during a period of brain 'plasticity', and maximize functional outcomes from the earliest possible age. 8 With recent advances in smartphone technology, capturing spontaneous movements using video has improved accessibility, 9,10 which has the potential to provide remote professional assessments for isolated and vulnerable families. 8 With recent advances in smartphone technology, capturing spontaneous movements using video has improved accessibility, 9,10 which has the potential to provide remote professional assessments for isolated and vulnerable families.…”

“…5,6 Spontaneous infant movement has been reported to have prognostic value for CP since the early works of Amiel-Tison et al 7 and Prechtl. 8 With recent advances in smartphone technology, capturing spontaneous movements using video has improved accessibility, 9,10 which has the potential to provide remote professional assessments for isolated and vulnerable families. While existing studies have explored the clinical utility of brain imaging or neurobehavioural assessments to predict later CP, 11,12 the predictive validity of a range of early spontaneous movements should be determined to facilitate accurate and early detection of infants at risk of developing CP.…”

Monitoring Infant's Emotional Cry in Domestic Environments Using the Capsule Network Architecture

“…This is an interesting research which allows automatic monitoring of babies not only for research purposes but also for clinical or home applications [10]. The corpus provided for this challenge comprises 5587 vocalizations of 20 healthy infants (10 females and 10 males) recorded within a study for the early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders [11].…”