Ex-Prematurity and Developmental Follow Up
- The term ‘Premature’ or ‘Preterm’ is used for children born at < 37 weeks of pregnancy
- Children born premature are at higher risk of having problems with their development, learning, behaviour and social aspects
- The more premature the baby is, the higher the risk
- Prematurity contributes to approximately 50% of all disabilities in childhood
- Ex-premature babies are at higher risk of having ADD/ADHD, ASD, Cerebral Palsy, Dyspraxia, Speech and Language Delay, Learning Disability, Special Educational Needs
- Seek help if your child is not meeting their developmental milestones
- All preterm children need developmental follow ups at regular intervals
- Problems from prematurity can affect learning, activity, employment and life outcomes
- Enhanced Developmental Support and Surveillance (EDSS), as recommended by NICE
- Hassle-free and easy to book appointments
- No waiting list to worry about. Book a date that is convenient to you
- Comprehensive and evidence-based developmental assessments
- Detailed diagnostic report that can help you in getting the right help, support and services
- Early intervention means better outcomes for your child
- I review all reports/records e.g. neonatal unit summary, health visitor, nursery or school
- Discuss concerns about your child’s development
- Screen for developmental problems and disorders e.g. ASQ, SDQ, SCQ
- Carefully evaluate and review any developmental concerns
- Neurodevelopmental assessment through play-based tests
- Carry out full physical examination including neurology, to rule out medical problem
- Measure length or height, weight and head circumference
- Consider further investigation where required
- Review information from above assessments/test tools
- Build a picture of your child’s strengths, weaknesses and needs
- Provide you with a clear diagnostic report detailing developmental profile of your child
- Offer you information about local and national sources of support and information
- Give you specific behavioural, educational and environmental strategies, as required
- Advice regarding review by other professionals e.g. OT where required
- Advice regarding further tests where required
- You could use medical report e.g. to gain extra support at school, claim allowances/benefits
- You will feel empowered to enable your child from this holistic assessment and action plan
- Present you with an option for follow-up/surveillance