Prematurity, Illness, and Experience as Factors in Preterm Development

Abstract

Increasing concern for the developmental outcome of infants born prematurely has motivated investigation of their cognitive cnd socioemotional development. Some scientists have viewed preterm infants as a homogeneous sample whose major deficit lies in their immaturity and have Included both small-for-dates and premature, appropriate-for-dates Infants as one sample, even though they are biologically distinct and have different developmental outcomes. In addition, recent evidence has highlighted the number of medical complications endured by prematures and their potential effect on development. Finally, the effect of early environmental experience on the premature needs careful examination. Prematures are capable of processing and profiting from auditory and visual information much earlier than previously thought. This article reviews these three issues-maturity, illness, and potential effect of early experience—as factors important in any research on preterm development.

Motor asymmetries in preterm infants: Effects of prematurity and illness

“…This study highlights the need for careful definition of the characteristics of preterm infants in developmental research. Preterm infants are not a homogeneous group and investigations of immaturity or the effect or early experience cannot ignore the wide range of medical complications that these infants undergo (e.g., Fox & Lewis, 1980). Indeed, the severity of medical complications seems to be responsible for the increasing morbidity rate found within the preterm group.…”

Young Children with Severe Handicaps in Community Residential Facilities

“…One might surmise that the physical and temperamental caretaking demands of the children in the risk group (cf. Fox & Lewis, 1982) were such that typical family resources were insufficient to meet daily child and family needs. Early placement of the child (M= 2.80 years) may have been seen as the best solution for maintaining the integrity of the family unit.…”