Differences In Developmental Outcomes Research Articles

Parental Joblessness, Financial Disadvantage and the Wellbeing of Parents and Children

Parental Joblessness, Financial Disadvantage and the Wellbeing of Parents and Children

Cow, Soy, or Breast Milk: Does It Make a Difference in Developmental Outcome?

Infants fed soy-protein formula and cow's milk formula have similar patterns of physical growth, but no studies have compared developmental status in

P1-237 Post-separation parenting arrangements: patterns and developmental outcomes

IntroductionChanges in family law in many countries have preceded research addressing the developmental impacts of different patterns of parenting after separation. We use data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian...

Developmental Outcomes of Late-Preterm Infants at 2 and 4 Years

This study compared healthy late-preterm (34-36week) and healthy full-term (37-41week) singleton infants on a range of cognitive, motor, and behavioral outcomes at 2 and 4years. Eighteen developmental outcomes were analyzed using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey-Birth Cohort, a nationally representative panel study. Ordinary Least Squares and logistic regressions were performed to estimate unadjusted and adjusted differences in developmental outcomes between late-preterm and full-term children. In unadjusted models, late-preterm children scored more poorly than full-term children on most assessments of cognitive ability at 2 and 4years. After adjusting for demographic, economic, and obstetrical factors, late-preterm children continued to score lower than full-term children on language use at 2years and on literacy, language, and math at 4years, but scored at least one standard deviation below the mean on only one of the eighteen outcomes. Late-preterm birth is associated with subtle deficits in cognitive functioning as early as age 2years. Although the effects may be too small to have clinical relevance, they suggest a trend toward poorer outcomes that have been documented at older ages and suggest that early testing and intervention may enhance the cognitive development of late-preterm children.

Relative Age Effects: Implications for Leadership Development

Relative age effects (RAEs) have been widely studied in the contexts of education and sport over the past 25 years. The RAE phenomenon is concerned with identifying age (dis)advantages relative to other children within a pre-defined age group. While intended to promote equality and fairness through the maintenance of general developmental similarities (e.g., cognitive, physiological), agebased grouping policies common to most educational and sport development systems have had the unintended consequence of advantaging “relatively” older children, while disadvantaging those who are “relatively” younger within the same cohort. Differences in developmental outcomes as a result of relative age have been shown to persist throughout adulthood resulting in considerable long-term social, emotional, and economic benefits (or detriments). The purpose of this review paper is to introduce readers to the RAE phenomenon, explore its underlying causes, examine its shortand long-term discriminatory effects, and provide directions for future research in this area, particularly as they pertain to leadership development.

Präoperative Azidose und Entwicklung von Säuglingen nach Operation angeborener Herzfehler

Prenatal diagnosis has been shown to decrease pre-operative acidosis and might prevent the occurrence of disturbed developmental outcome. The aim of this study is to evaluate parameters for acidosis and their predictive value on developmental outcome in newborns with congenital heart disease. A total of 117 patients requiring surgery for structural heart disease in the first 31 days of life were included. Diagnosis was established either pre- or postnatally. Preoperative values of lactate, pH and base excess levels were compared to the occurrence of disturbed developmental outcome, i.e. an underperformance of more than 10% on the P90 of a standardized Dutch developmental scale. Patients were divided into groups according to blood levels of acidosis parameters, using receiver operating characteristics curves to determine cut-off values for pH, base excess and lactate. No significant difference in developmental outcome was found using values for pH or base excess as a cut-off level. Preoperative lactate values exceeding 6.1 mmol/l resulted in a significant increase in impaired development compared to infants with a pre-operative lactate lower than 6.1 mmol/l: 40.9% vs 15.1% in (p=0.03). Pre-operative lactate values might have a prognostic value on developmental outcome in newborns with congenital heart disease. The limited prognostic value of pH can be explained by the fact that pH can be easily corrected, while lactate better reflects the total oxygen debt experienced by these patients.

Neurodevelopmental outcome of fetuses referred for ventriculomegaly.

To characterize the delivery and postnatal neurodevelopmental outcomes of fetuses referred for ventriculomegaly (VM). Under an internal review board-approved protocol, pregnant women were referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after sonographic diagnosis of VM and classified into one of four diagnostic groups: Group 1, normal central nervous system (CNS); Group 2, isolated mild VM (10-12 mm); Group 3, isolated VM > 12 mm; and Group 4, other CNS findings. Pregnancy outcome was obtained. Follow-up visits were offered with assessment of neurodevelopmental, adaptive and neurological functioning at 6 months and 1 year and/or 2 years of age. Atrial diameter and VM group differences in developmental outcomes were evaluated using repeated measures logistic regression and Fishers exact test, respectively. Of 314 fetuses, 253 (81%) were liveborn and survived the neonatal period. Fetuses in Groups 4 and 3 were less likely to progress to live delivery and to survive the neonatal period (60% and 84%, respectively) than were those in Groups 2 or 1 (93% and 100%, respectively, P < 0.001). Of the 143 fetuses followed postnatally, between 41% and 61% had a Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-II) psychomotor developmental index score in the delayed range (< 85) at the follow-up visits, whereas the BSID-II mental developmental index and Vineland Adaptive Behavior composite scores were generally in line with normative expectations. Among those that were liveborn, neither VM group nor prenatal atrial diameter was related to postnatal developmental outcome. Diagnostic category and degree of fetal VM based on ultrasound and MRI measurements are associated with the incidence of live births and thus abnormal outcome. Among those undergoing formal postnatal testing, VM grade is not associated with postnatal developmental outcome, but motor functioning is more delayed than is cognitive or adaptive functioning.

Promoting Equal Developmental Opportunity and Outcomes Among America’s Children and Youth: Results from the National Promises Study

Building on a developmental framework positing five types of assets or inputs needed for children's development, referred to as promises, we investigated the extent to which American children and youth experience the five Promises articulated by the America's Promise Alliance. These are: (1) Caring Adults, (2) Safe Places and Constructive Use of Time, (3) A Healthy Start, (4) Effective Education, and (5) Opportunities to Make a Difference. Data came from a nationally representative poll designed to assess these five resources and involved more than 4,000 teenagers and their parents. Results showed that only a minority of young people experienced rich developmental nourishment (having 4-5 of the Promises). Males, older adolescents, adolescents of color, and adolescents from families with less education and lower parental annual incomes were significantly less likely to experience sufficient developmental opportunities and were also less likely to experience desirable developmental outcomes. However, among those young people who reported experiencing 4-5 Promises, the great majority of demographic differences in developmental outcomes were either eliminated or significantly reduced. The results suggest that increasing children's experience of these Promises would reduce developmental inequalities among America's young people. EDITORS' STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS: Longitudinal studies with representative samples will be necessary to further validate this approach and study causal contributions of assets, but this integration of Positive Youth Development frameworks holds great promise for theory, practice, and policy.

Youth Organizing, Identity-Support, and Youth Development Agencies as Avenues for Involvement

SUMMARY What are the differences in outcomes among youth organizing and other efforts to involve young people at the community level? This paper examines differences in developmental outcomes among youth organizing, identity-support, and traditional youth development agencies, with the finding that there are significant differences in outcomes such as civic activism and identity development. It reports that youth organizing agencies show higher levels of youth leadership, decision making, and community involvement in comparison with other agencies, and concludes that deliberate approaches to staffing and decision-making can influence youth outcomes.

Developmental outcome of very low birth weight twins conceived by assisted reproduction techniques

To evaluate the differences in developmental outcomes between very low birth weight twins conceived by assisted reproduction techniques and those conceived spontaneously. Twenty-two sets of very low birth weight twins were evaluated by the Kyoto Scale for Psychological Development at 36 months of corrected age. Total developmental quotient and developmental quotient (DQ) for three subscales, posture-motor, cognition-adaptation and language-social, were evaluated. Twins conceived with medical assistance demonstrated a higher incidence of total DQ below 85 with lower DQ for cognition-adaptation and language-social skills than spontaneously conceived twins, whereas the quotient for posture-motor skills in medically assisted twins was comparable to that of spontaneously conceived twins. At 3 years of age very low birth weight twins conceived by assisted reproduction techniques demonstrated lower cognitive and language skills than twins conceived naturally.

What's in a name? A comparison of methods for classifying predominant type of maltreatment

Objective: The primary aim of the study was to identify a classification scheme, for determining the predominant type of maltreatment in a child's history that best predicts differences in developmental outcomes. Method: Three different predominant type classification schemes were examined in a sample of 519 children with a history of alleged maltreatment. Cases were classified into predominant maltreatment types according to three different schemes: 1. Hierarchical Type (HT)—based on a hierarchy of types that prioritizes active forms of abuse over passive abuse; 2. Severity/Frequency Type (SFT)—sorts cases into the type of maltreatment associated with the highest severity or frequency rating; 3. Expanded Hierarchical Type (EHT)—differentiates multiple maltreatment type combinations from “pure” or single sub-types. Hierarchical regression analyses examined whether the HT, SFT, and EHT type classifications contributed to prediction of child behavior problems, trauma symptoms and adaptive functioning. Results: After controlling for demographic factors, the HT definitions predicted four outcomes, while the SFT definitions predicted three, and the EHT classifications contributed to the prediction of five child outcomes. The co-occurrence of multiple types of maltreatment was robustly related to outcomes. However, the HT and SFT classifications predicted outcomes even after accounting for the co-occurrence of multiple maltreatment subtypes. Conclusion: A classification scheme that differentiates between type combinations and single maltreatment types may have the greatest predictive validity. Over and above knowing about co-occurrence of maltreatment sub-types, it is important to understand what type, or constellation of types, of maltreatment have been alleged in a child's history.

(How) Does the Sexual Orientation of Parents Matter?

Opponents of lesbian and gay parental rights claim that children with lesbigay parents are at higher risk for a variety of negative outcomes. Yet most research in psychology concludes that there are no differences in developmental outcomes between children raised by lesbigay parents and those raised by heterosexual parents. The analysis here challenges this defensive conceptual framework and analyzes how heterosexism has hampered intellectual progress in the field. The authors discuss limitations in the definitions, samples, and analyses of the studies to date. Next they explore findings from 21 studies and demonstrate that researchers frequently downplay findings indicating difference regarding children’s gender and sexual preferences and behavior that could stimulate important theoretical questions. A less defensive, more sociologically informed analytic framework is proposed for investigating these issues. The framework focuses on (1) whether selection effects produced by homophobia account for associations between parental sexual orientations and child outcomes; (2) the role of parental gender vis-a-vis sexual orientation in influencing children’s gender development; and (3) the relationship between parental sexual orientations and children’s sexual preferences and behaviors.

(How) Does the Sexual Orientation of Parents Matter?

Opponents of lesbian and gay parental rights claim that children with lesbigay parents are at higher risk for a variety of negative outcomes. Yet most research in psychology concludes that there are no differences in developmental outcomes between children raised by lesbigay parents and those raised by heterosexual parents. The analysis here challenges this defensive conceptual framework and analyzes how heterosexism has hampered intellectual progress in the field. The authors discuss limitations in the definitions, samples, and analyses of the studies to date. Next they explore findings from 21 studies and demonstrate that researchers frequently downplay findings indicating difference regarding children's gender and sexual preferences and behavior that could stimulate important theoretical questions. A less defensive, more sociologically informed analytic framework is proposed for investigating these issues. The framework focuses on (1) whether selection effects produced by homophobia account for associations between parental sexual orientations and child outcomes; (2) the role of parental gender vis-a-vis sexual orientation in influencing children's gender development; and (3) the relationship between parental sexual orientations and children's sexual preferences and behaviors.

High Quality Vs Low Quality Parenting Styles: Do They Make a Difference in Developmental Outcome in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Children?

High Quality Vs Low Quality Parenting Styles: Do They Make a Difference in Developmental Outcome in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Children?

Neurodevelopmental outcome after prenatal exposure to opiates.

To study the developmental effects of prenatal exposure to opiates, a prospective follow up study of 34 drug-exposed (opiates and nicotine) and 42 reference infants (nicotine exposure only) was conducted from January 1992 to September 1995. At the time of delivery, 12 of 34 mothers used opiates without medical control. Twenty-two mothers participated in a methadone maintenance programme. At 1 year, the average Griffiths Developmental Quotient (DQ) was lower in the drug-exposed group (mean: 100.5 vs. references 107.9; P < 0.001). This difference was mainly due to lower subscales "locomotor" (mean 100.8 vs. 111.4; P < 0.05) and "intellectual performance" (mean 100.8 vs. 108.5; P < 0.05) in the drug-exposed group. Severe developmental retardation mean DQ (-2 SD) was diagnosed in 2 drug-exposed infants. Mild developmental retardation (mean DQ: 1 SD- > 2 SD) was found in 7 drug-exposed and in 3 reference infants (P < 0.05). Neurological abnormalities were found more frequently in the drug-exposed group (11 vs. 3 infants; P < 0.01). Among the opiate-exposed infants, the subscales "hearing and speech" and "intellectual performance" were lower in the uncontrolled drug-using than in the methadone group. The 17 fostered infants showed no difference in developmental outcome compared with the 10 infants living with their biological parents (mean DQ: 100.0 versus 101.3). At 1 year infants prenatally exposed to opiates are at risk for mild psychomotor developmental impairment.

Estimating risk and protective indexes in high-risk children

the study presented here assessed a set of medical and environmental risk indexes and a cumulative protective index in a sample of high-risk children. Group differences in developmental outcome and the predictive power of the risk and protective indexes were examined. In addition, the predictive power of the risk indexes and the protective index were explored for preschool IQ, problem solving, and receptive language ability. a longitudinal research design using descriptive and inferential statistics was implemented. one hundred and eighty-four 4-year-old children and their mothers born in the northeast of the USA participated in a follow-up study of term and preterm infants. children in high-risk medical and environmental groups significantly lower IQs with poor verbal and perceptual performance; had quantitative; memory; receptive language; and problem solving abilities when compared to low-risk groups. The addition of protective factors predicted substantially more variance in outcome than did medical and environmental-risk indexes alone. investigation of medical and environmental risk, and proximal caretaking protection provides insight into variables that may attenuate or facilitate preschool outcomes in high-risk children. The direct relevance of these findings to practice would suggest that health-care providers assess the potential impact of risk and/or protection before deciding on clinical intervention strategies.

Predictors of Developmental Outcomes for Medically Fragile Early Intervention Participants

Little is documented about the determinants of developmental outcomes for medically fragile infants who receive early intervention. In this controlled longitudinal study 65 premature infants with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were randomly assigned to intervention groups beginning at 3 months adjusted age (Early) or 12 months adjusted age (Delayed). The sample was 65% African American and 35% Caucasian, and over half the youngsters were being raised by single mothers. Although cost analyses revealed that it was almost twice as expensive to begin sensorimotor intervention at the earlier age, annual comprehensive assessments revealed no significant differences in developmental outcomes based on age at start. Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that Maternal Education and Neonatal Medical Problems were significant predictors of outcomes at years 1, 3, 5, and 7 regardless of age at start. Related findings from other studies are discussed along with implications for policy and future research.

Neurodevelopmental profile of infants and toddlers with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum and the correlation of prognosis with physical findings.

We studied the neurodevelopmental profile of infants and toddlers with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAV) and determined if certain physical manifestations were indicative of a poor neurodevelopmental prognosis. Twenty-four patients with OAV, aged birth to 57 months, were seen in the Department of Medical Genetics at Children's National Medical Center for multidisciplinary evaluations, including neurodevelopmental assessments. Fifty-eight percent of these children scored more than 2 standard deviations below the mean in at least one domain of development. There was no difference in developmental outcome of boys versus girls, children affected unilaterally on the right side versus left side, and those with severe clinical manifestations versus those with a milder form. Children with OAV and abnormal muscle tone had lower cognitive, gross motor, and expressive language scores (P = 0.05, P = 0.002, and P = 0.02, respectively). Those affected bilaterally had lower cognitive, fine motor, receptive language, and expressive language scores (P = 0.06, P = 0.03, P = 0.03, P = 0.02, respectively). Children with cervical spine abnormalities had lower cognitive, fine motor, and expressive language scores (P = 0.02, P = 0.04, and P = 0.04, respectively). We conclude that infants and toddlers with OAV are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delay, especially those with abnormal muscle tone, bilateral involvement, and cervical vertebral anomalies. The complexity of the neurodevelopmental problems is strongly suggestive of central nervous system disturbances. Patients with OAV need comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team to define potential neurodevelopmental delays, allow for early intervention services, and promote an optimal developmental outcome.

Developmental outcome after intravascular intrauterine transfusion for rhesus haemolytic disease.

The development outcome of 16 infants who had rhesus disease was assessed at 18 months. Eight had received intravascular intrauterine transfusion and eight postnatal exchange transfusions. There was no difference in developmental outcome and neither group was different from the population as a whole.

Resilient Children: Individual Differences in Developmental Outcome of Children Born to Drug Abusers

Since 1977, we have been following the neurobehavioral development of two groups of children: a group born to women on methadone maintenance and a drug-free comparison group. This study used the data on the children evaluated at 36 months of age to determine whether distinct patterns of developmental outcome can be identified, and which medical, familial, or environmental characteristics are associated with developmental differences. The children were clustered on four measures at 36 months: head circumference percentile, Merrill-Palmer Scale score, neurological evaluation, and referrals for developmental problems. Three distinct clusters emerged, with methadone children disproportionately frequent in Cluster 3, the group showing the poorest development. Comparisons of the clusters on a wide range of variables revealed consistent differences between Cluster 1 and Cluster 3 children in maternal responsiveness and incidence of neglect and family violence. These findings indicate that distinct developmental patterns do occur within this predominantly lower-class ghetto population; further, that children born to methadone-maintained women are more likely to show poor development. However, when the environment provides nurturance and stability, methadone children can show resilience and develop well.