Parent and teacher reporting of executive function and behavioral difficulties in preterm and term children at kindergarten.

The aim of the study was to compare parent and teacher ratings of executive function and behavioral difficulties of kindergarten-age preterm and term children. Parents of 82 and kindergarten teachers of 105 preterm (<33 weeks' gestation) children and parents of 49 and kindergarten teachers of 46 term four- to five-year-old children completed executive function (EF) and behavior questionnaires. The preterm children were rated to have more EF difficulties than the term children by parents and teachers.

Examining the relationship between performance-based and questionnaire assessments of executive function in young preterm children: Implications for clinical practice.

The aim of this study was to determine whether specific performance-based executive function assessment tools were associated with executive functioning in everyday life as reported by parents and teachers of four- to five-year-old preterm and term children. At the age of 4 years, 141 preterm children born <33 weeks' gestation and 77 term children were assessed using performance-based intelligence (WPPSI-III) and executive function (EF) assessment tools (NEPSY-II, Day-Night and Shape School tasks). The assessment results were compared with the parent and teacher completed questionnaires of EF (BRIEF-P) when the children started kindergarten at the age of 4 to 5 years.

Risk factors for executive function difficulties in preschool and early school-age preterm children.

Aim: To investigate the relationship between executive functioning and social and perinatal risk factors in four- to five-year-old preterm children.

Methods: Using standardised measures of general intelligence and performance-based executive function (EF) tests prior to starting kindergarten, 141 children born preterm (<33 weeks of gestation) and 77 term comparison children were assessed. Parental and teacher reports of executive functioning were completed when the children commenced kindergarten.