Psychosocial functioning in adolescents: results according to Amiel-Tison neurological assessment in a group of preterm infants. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kodric, Jana; Sustersic, Breda; Paro-Panjan, Darja
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurorehabilitation. Volume 22:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 47
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Preterm -- neurological assessment -- executive functions -- behavior -- quality of life; Children with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.542
• DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2018.1434699
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8423

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective : This prospective study investigated the relationship between Amiel-Tison neurological assessment (ATNA) in preterm children and their psychosocial functioning in adolescence. Methods : From the initial group of 45 children regularly assessed by the ATNA from term until the age of 2 years, 27 participated in the follow-up at 13 years. Results : Of the three groups categorized by neurological signs as normal, intermediate or abnormal, parents of adolescents with normal ATNA reported the lowest number of executive function problems ( p = 0.019) and behavioral symptoms ( p = 0.011), while the adolescents themselves reported the lowest number of behavioral symptoms ( p = 0.005) and the highest quality of life ( p = 0.012). The number of problems reported increased with the number of abnormal neurological signs. Conclusion : Standardized neurological assessment may be a helpful clinical tool for the identification of children at risk for later psychosocial problems who could benefit from prevention and early intervention programs.