Abstract
Objective
Research demonstrates that children with perinatal complications (i.e., extreme prematurity, hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic injury) are at increased-risk for behavior, executive functioning, and adaptive independence problems in their everyday life. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the importance of monitoring for changes in these domains as these children reach school-age.
Method
The current study reviewed retrospective neuropsychological evaluations for a sample of 8 children (ages 5-10 years) evaluated in an outpatient neurodevelopmental follow-up program for children with perinatal complications. Re-evaluation was completed 1-2 years later. Children with the following standardized parent-report measures were included: Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2,3), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF, 2), and Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS-3). A reliable change index was calculated for each child to compare individual change in subscales/indices using gender/age standard error of measurement from test manuals.
Results
BRIEF subscale RCI values (≥ 1.96) indicated that most children showed increased problems with inhibition, shifting, working memory, and planning/organizational (range -13 to 13), whereas most showed improved emotional control (range -12 to 3). BASC indices revealed stability in behavioral and externalizing symptoms (range -3 to 2). ABAS RCI values indicated that children tended to improve across skills (range -19 to 27). Figures and tables will be displayed.
Conclusions
This study highlights the utility of RCI values in monitoring neuropsychological changes during the early school years, as this sample of children showed changes across several developing skills. Early identification of behavioral or adaptive deficits allows providers to make recommendations for clinical management and academic planning.
C-58 Reliable Change Index to Monitor Executive, Adaptive and Behavioral Functioning in Children with Perinatal Complications
