Can Early Motor Milestones Predict Later Development?

Poorer cognitive and adaptive development at 4 years was predicted by a mild delay in standing with assistance.

A significant developmental delay in motor skills during infancy is often associated with subsequent developmental disabilities. It would be of interest to know if a less-severe delay in motor skills correlates with later developmental delay.

In a population-based study of 599 children born between 2008 and 2010, maternal reports of motor skills at 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months were correlated with scores from a standardized developmental skills assessment at age 4 years. Later achievement of standing with assistance predicted lower developmental scores in adaptive skills and cognitive skills at 4 years independent of gestational age or birth weight. The mean age for standing with assistance was 8.9 months with a standard deviation of 2.1 mont…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics