Starting school is a big step for most children, but for those
born very premature like Chiara Aldridge, it can be an even greater
challenge.
New research by Murdoch Childrens shows 70 per cent of very
premature babies have at least one area of difficulty in their
school readiness skills, compared with less than 30 per cent of
full-term babies.
The study of 200 babies born 10 or more weeks premature assessed
learning abilities including health and physical development,
approach to learning, emotional wellbeing, communication skills and
cognitive skills, compared with term control children.
Lead researcher Dr Gehan Roberts said it was important for
parents to take action early to address learning problems. "Parents
should raise any concerns with their health nurse, GP or
paediatrician so their child can be given a developmental screening
and offered extra help if needed."
Chiara, who was born at 28 weeks weighing a tiny 950g, received
help with her motor and receptive language skills ahead of starting
school last month.
"She had always been very talkative but we discovered that
this was a compensatory strategy to mask some difficulties with
comprehension," mum Belinda said.
"We are thankful that this was detected early before
impacting on her schooling experience."