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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Anita Scarborough, PhD¹, Rune J. Simeonsson¹, Kathleen Hebbeler, PhD², Donna Spiker², and Sangeeta Mallik, PhD². (1) Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 8185, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8185, 919.966.8914, scarboro@mail.fpg.unc.edu, (2) Center for Education and Human Services, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025

In 1998, approximately 300,000 infants born in the U.S. weighed less than 2,500 grams, representing 7.6% of all births. These infants have increased rates of developmental disabilities and academic problems and are eligible for early intervention services under Part C legislation. The co-occurrence of low birth weight (LBW) and environmental risk factors place LBW children at the highest risk for developmental delay. Data from the National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study (NEILS) found approximately 1/3 of all children entering Part C services in 1997 and 1998 were LBW (Scarborough et al, 2004). Comparing weighted sample estimates with the general population indicates that about 20% of infants born less than 2500 grams were likely to enroll in early intervention programs. The percentage of LBW births in the general population among African-Americans (13%) was almost twice that among Caucasian children (7%).

Longitudinal findings from NEILS, the first nationally representative study of children and families receiving Part C services will be presented. The relationship of neonatal and demographic characteristics of children who received Part C services will be examined in terms of academic and developmental outcomes for these children during their kindergarten school year. Specific analyses will examine factors related to birth vulnerability characteristics, age at entry to Part C services, compared to indicators of disability status during the child's kindergarten school year.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize demographic characteristics associated with better developmental outcomes among low birth weight children who were the recipients of Part C early intervention services.
• Discuss neonatal characteristics and the associations with disabilitly status at school age.

Keywords: Low Birthweight, Disability

Related Web page: www.sri.com/neils/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No