Infant perceptual, cognitive, and motor behaviours as predictors of subsequent cognitive and language development.

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Abstract
The relationship between infant abilities and subsequent cognitive and language development was studied. In a longitudinal study, 80 preterm and 68 full-term infants were administered the Bayley Scales at 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 mo. the Uzgiris-Hunt Scale at 4, 8, 12 and 18 mo., the Caldwell Inventory of Home Stimulation (HOME) at 12 mo., the Reynell Language Scales (RLS) at 24, 20 and 36 mo., and the Stanford-Binet at 30 and 36 mo. There were significant correlations between the early infants tests and the Stanford-Binet and the RLS at 30 and 36 mo., indicating continuities in cognitive development. The perceptual items of the Bayley were significant predictors early in development; at 8 mo., the conceptual items became predictive and at 12 mo., the language items became predictive. The psychomotor development index (PDI) of the Bayley and the means and object concept subtests of Uzgiris-Hunt administered at 4 and 8 mo. were significantly correlated with subsequent language development. The HOME scale, particularly the provision of appropriate play materials subscale, was significantly correlated with cognitive and language scores, particularly language comprehension. In many cases, infant tests were capable of detecting children who would subsequently show delayed cognitive or language development at 30 and 36 mo. There appear to be substantial continuities bewteen infant behaviors and cognitive and language abilities in early childhood.