Therapists/Educators

Therapists and educators who work with young children often encounter children who have problems related to perinatal complications or experiences.  This section directs you to areas within this website that can provide information helpful in working with former Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) patients and their families.  Make sure to check the section on related web links for resources elsewhere on the internet.

PERINATAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS

Understanding how perinatal factors influence later development and behavior can be helpful in providing intervention for children with special needs. We have included information on a variety of perinatal conditions which often result in developmental challenges, and you may wish to refer to this section to look up information on particular conditions when you work with children who began life in a NICU.

PREMATURITY AND ITS IMPACT ON DEVELOPMENT

Children who were born extremely prematurely often have developmental differences, behavioral issues, and/or sensory issues which are related to neonatal history.   Information regarding developmental milestones for prematurely born children and developmental issues frequently associated with neonatal complications, can help you understand not only the etiology of a particular problem, but how important it is as an indication of long-term difficulty and what type of intervention stategy (if any) should be considered.

ARTICLES

Attention and the Active Child

The Hospitalized Child

Feeding and Sensorimotor Articles

PARENT HAND-OUTS

We have also included a selection of parent hand-outs that you may find useful in explaining issues related to neonatal complications. Please feel free to copy these and distribute them as needed.  Please copy each in its entirety, including copyright and any notations appended in footnotes.

Attention Problems:  Structured Play

Attention Problems:  Reading Activity

Building on Language Skills

Communication Alternatives

Discipline / Alternatives to Physical Punishment

Hearing Loss:  What are the signs in an infant or toddler?

Suggestions for Managing Behavior of Children With Language Delays / Hearing Loss

Time-Out

Tactile Hypersensitivity

Does My Child Have a Hearing Problem? (University of Wisconsin, Parents of Preemies)

Feedback and Additional Information