NICU Graduates and High-Risk Infant
Research has shown that infants who require NICU care are at risk for a number of developmental complications. Early identification and treatment provides a child with an optimal environment in which secondary disabilities can be prevented. This is because the normal developmental process for babies and children who have experienced traumatic or serious incidents is often interrupted, negatively impacting on all areas of the baby’s future, including their ability to function in academic, social and sporting activities. Early therapy helps to fill in any gaps, optimize outcomes and prevent unnecessary difficulties.
For those children with more serious problems, early therapy is even more essential in maximising development abilities and preventing unnecessary secondary complications.
Therapists from CentaPaeds therapy centre are so passionate about early therapy that they will even visit parents in the NICU to begin early intervention before the baby is discharged at the doctor's or nurse's request.
At this early stage therapy is focused on teaching parents how to enhance their babies development and prevent unnecessary complications. See our articles on premature babies in the Article Library.
Assessments
Any baby who is high-risk or has spent time in an ICU should be seen for
assessments at 4, 6, 9
and 12 months corrected age
(corrected age is the age they would be had they been born at full term);
and in their 2nd, 4th and 6th years.
It is vital that if there are developmental or neurological problems, they
are picked up as early as possible to optimize treatment.
Early intervention is imperative for a high-risk infant,
not only to ensure they have the best opportunities to
develop to their full capacity, but to be proactive in
preventing unnecessary complications.
For more information Contact CentaPaeds Paediatric Therapy Centre.
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