Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Comparison of Non Verbal Learning Difficulties in Preschoolers Born Preterm with the Term Born Peers

  • Original Article
  • Published:
The Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

To identify the incidence and pattern of specific areas of non verbal learning deficits (NVLD) associated with preterm and term born peers and also to evaluate influence of gestational age on cognition, motor, language and behavior in preterm and term infants.

Methods

Children were screened for prematurity by giving parents a comprehensive questionnaire covering the family details, birth history, medical history and school performance. After finding their suitability, the children were picked randomly using the lottery method. Hundred children born moderately preterm were allocated in Group B and 100 term born children were recruited in Group A. Participants of both the groups were evaluated using the First STEP- screening test to evaluate preschoolers.

Results

This study revealed that there was significant difference between both the preterm and the control group in all the domains of First STEP and there was 10 % incidence of NVLD in preterm born preschoolers.

Conclusions

Thus, the gestational age influences the cognitive, motor, behavior and academic performance in the preschoolers, thereby increasing the incidence of NVLD in preterm than the term born peers.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Kavanagh JF, Truss TJ. Learning Disabilities, Proceedings of National Conference. New York: York Press; 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Santhanam T, Prasad Babu P, Sugandhi S, Bhaskara D. Learning Disabilities and Remedial Programmes. Delhi: Discovery Publishing House Pvt Ltd; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Chellani H. Prematurity—An unmet challenge. J Neonatol. 2007;21:77.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Antshel K, Joseph G. Maternal stress in nonverbal learning disorder: A comparison with reading disorder. J Learn Disabil. 2006;39:194.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Anneloes L, Baar V, Vermaas J, Knots E, Martin J. Functioning at school age of moderately preterm children born at 32 to 36 weeks gestational age. Pediatrics. 2009;124:251–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Minnisota Department of Children Family and Learning: Introduction to non verbal learning disabilities. www.asec.net/archives/sld/nvld.pdf. Accessed 13 Jan 2010.

  7. Roman M. The syndrome of nonverbal learning disabilities: Clinical description and applied aspects. Curr Issues Educ. 1998;1:1–16.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Horwood LJ, Mogridge N, Darlow BA. Cognitive, educational, and behavioural outcomes at 7 to 8 years in a national very low birthweight cohort. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 1998;79:F12–20.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Kilbride HW, Thorstad K, Daily DK. Preschool outcome of less than 801-gram preterm infants compared with full-term siblings. Pediatrics. 2004;113:742–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Inder TE, Huppi PS, Warfield S, Kikinis R, Zientara GP, Barnes PD, et al. Periventricular white matter injury in the premature infant is followed by reduced cerebral cortical grey matter volume at term. Ann Neurol. 1999;46:755–60.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Riethmuller AM, Jones R, Okely AD. Efficacy of interventions to improve motor development in young children: A systematic review. Pediatrics. 2009;124:e782–92.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. National centre of learning disabilities: What are the causes of learning disability? [online] Accessed on 15/01/2010: URL:www.ncid.org.

  13. Waldo SL, McIntosh DE, Koller JR. Personality profiles of adults with verbal and nonverbal learning disabilities. J Psychoeduc Assess. 1999;17:196–206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Miller LJ. FirstSTEP Screening Test for Evaluating Preschoolers. San Antonio: Pearson; 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Cornoldi C, Rigoni F, Tressoldi PE, Vio C. Imagery deficits in nonverbal learning disabilities. J Learn Disabil. 1999;32:48–57.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Conflict of Interest

None.

Role of Funding Source

None.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiotherapy, KLE University’s Institute of Physiotherapy, Nehru Nagar, Belgaum, 590010, Karnataka, India

    Yashodha Jayadev Patil & Deepa Metgud

Authors
  1. Yashodha Jayadev Patil
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Deepa Metgud
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yashodha Jayadev Patil.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Patil, Y.J., Metgud, D. Comparison of Non Verbal Learning Difficulties in Preschoolers Born Preterm with the Term Born Peers. Indian J Pediatr 81, 346–349 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-013-1254-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-013-1254-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation