Comparison of non verbal learning difficulties in preschoolers born preterm with the term born peers.

Objectives: To identify the incidence and pattern of specific areas of non verbal learning deficits (NVLD) associated with preterm and term born peers and also to evaluate influence of gestational age on cognition, motor, language and behavior in preterm and term infants.

Methods: Children were screened for prematurity by giving parents a comprehensive questionnaire covering the family details, birth history, medical history and school performance. After finding their suitability, the children were picked randomly using the lottery method. Hundred children born moderately preterm were allocated in Group B and 100 term born children were recruited in Group A. Participants of both the groups were evaluated using the First STEP- screening test to evaluate preschoolers.

Results: This study revealed that there was significant difference between both the preterm and the control group in all the domains of First STEP and there was 10 % incidence of NVLD in preterm born preschoolers.

Conclusions: Thus, the gestational age influences the cognitive, motor, behavior and academic performance in the preschoolers, thereby increasing the incidence of NVLD in preterm than the term born peers.