In honor of World Prematurity Day, I would like to raise awareness about prematurity as a risk factor for autism. Recent studies have found an increased risk of autism in infants born prior to 33 weeks gestation. Click here to visit Autism Speaks for a review of prematurity related research.
It is still unclear how or why premature birth may be related to autism. Parents of children who are born prematurely are often aware of the
medical, physical and cognitive challenges that their child may face. However, these studies indicate that parents should also keep an eye on behavioral aspects of their child's development.
As an occupational therapist working in early intervention, I think it is important to educate parents about developmental delays that their child may be at risk of developing. I would like to see physicians, nurses, therapists and other medical professionals educating parents of premature infants about risk factors for autism. These parents are so often told to not worry and that their child will catch up (which is often true), that professionals don't always take their concerns about autism seriously.
How do you educate families about risk factors association with prematurity?
Showing posts with label prematurity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prematurity. Show all posts
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
In my therapy bag...a beach towel
In honor of National Prematurity Month, check out this little guy:
Born at 26 weeks gestation, he has spastic diplegia affecting his legs (which means his legs are very stiff and it is hard for him to straighten his legs completely). He loves to crawl all around and is learning to sit by himself. He does great if propped up a little. A folded up beach towel is perfect!
Born at 26 weeks gestation, he has spastic diplegia affecting his legs (which means his legs are very stiff and it is hard for him to straighten his legs completely). He loves to crawl all around and is learning to sit by himself. He does great if propped up a little. A folded up beach towel is perfect!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Prematurity in America
November is Prematurity Awareness Month
Did you know that 1 in 8 babies is born prematurely in the US?
Prematurity is the leading cause of death in newborns. Those who survive often have lifelong health problems, such as cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment, and blindness.
Occupational therapists frequently work with babies who were born prematurely, both in the NICU and in the home and educational settings as the child grows. Working in early intervention, I frequently work with children who were born prematurely, including micro preemies. It is amazing to help these children grow and learn!
The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign works to reduce the rate of premature birth and raise public awareness about the seriousness of the problem.
Check out the March of Dimes website for more information, including the 2011 Premature Birth Report Card
Did you know that 1 in 8 babies is born prematurely in the US?
Prematurity is the leading cause of death in newborns. Those who survive often have lifelong health problems, such as cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment, and blindness.
Occupational therapists frequently work with babies who were born prematurely, both in the NICU and in the home and educational settings as the child grows. Working in early intervention, I frequently work with children who were born prematurely, including micro preemies. It is amazing to help these children grow and learn!
The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign works to reduce the rate of premature birth and raise public awareness about the seriousness of the problem.
Check out the March of Dimes website for more information, including the 2011 Premature Birth Report Card
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