Developmental Follow-Up: Inherent Problems and a Conceptual Model

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
There is low predictive validity between newborn or early infant assessments and later childhood behaviors in developmental follow-up. The rates of predictability are better in clinical populations consisting of significantly damaged infants, and predictions are more accurate for-groups than for individuals. Reasons for the lack of predictability include (a) changes in the developing nervous system, (b) conceptual/methodologic issues, and (c) the environment. The theoretical concept of “risk routes” is proposed as an approach to developmental follow-up. This approach considers both the total milieu and the plasticity of the infant. A basic premise of the model is that an infant's overall development can be considered as the product of three interrelated spheres of influence: medical/biologic, environmental/ psychosocial, and behavioral/developmental. The additive and interactive properties and applications of the model are discussed.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: