Prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) are two major biological factors that put infants and young children at high risk for developmental delays or disabilities. While survival rates for premature and LBW children have improved, incidence figures have changed little over the past 20 years; in fact, the incidence of LBW has increased. Although the vast majority of LBW children have normal outcomes, as a group, they have higher risk for subnormal growth, illnesses, and neurodevelopmental problems. The purpose of this article is to examine the factors that influence the effectiveness of early intervention for premature, LBW children and to describe a strategy for linking assessment and early intervention. Linking assessment and intervention involves comprehensive assessment; a team approach to both assessment and intervention; empowering and enabling families; and the development of functional goals and objectives.
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Xu, Y., Filler, J.W. Linking Assessment and Intervention for Developmental/Functional Outcomes of Premature, Low-birth-weight Children. Early Childhood Educ J 32, 383–389 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-005-0008-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-005-0008-4