Sobre o impacto da constituência silábica na repetição de pseudopalavras: dados preliminares do desenvolvimento típico para a validação do LITMUS-QU-NWR-EP

Nonword repetition is a relevant task in clinical phonological assessment. However, few authors have considered the impact of syllable constituency on child performance in such task. In this study, we analyse the contribution of syllable constituency in nonword repetition through the validation of a new test (LITMUS-QU-NWR-EP) adapted to European Portuguese (EP). Two syllable structures were considered: lateral coda (both in word-medial and word-final position) and branching onsets (obstruent + lateral clusters). Results from typically developing children, aged 5 to 8 years, showed generalized difficulties in both structures, although codas were less problematic than branching onsets. Portuguese child performance contrasts with the data obtained for the French version of the instrument (LITMUS-QU-NWR-FR), given the overall lower performance found for EP, and the preference for codas over branching onsets, unlike attested for French children. A comparative analysis shows that nonword repetition difficulties in what concerns syllabic constituency may be language dependent. Clinical implications for EP are discussed.

Macronutrient Intake in Pregnancy and Child Cognitive and Behavioural Outcomes

Prenatal nutrient exposures can impact on brain development and disease susceptibility across the lifespan. It is well established that maternal macronutrient intake during pregnancy influences foetal and infant development. Therefore, we hypothesise that macronutrient intakes during pregnancy are correlated with cognitive development during early childhood. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal macronutrient intake during pregnancy and child cognitive and behavioural outcomes at age 4 years. We analysed prospective data from a cohort of 64 Australian mother–child dyads. Maternal macronutrient intake was assessed using a validated 74-item food frequency questionnaire at 2 timepoints during pregnancy. Child cognition and behaviour were measured at age 4 years using the validated Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 3rd version (WPPSI-III) and the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBC). Linear regression models were used to quantify statistical relationships and were adjusted for maternal age, education, pre-pregnancy BMI, breastfeeding duration and birthweight. Child Performance IQ was inversely associated with maternal starch intake (b = −11.02, p = 0.03). However, no other associations were found. Further research is needed to explore the association between different types of starch consumed during pregnancy and child cognitive development.

Beginning power mobility: An exploration of factors associated with child use of early power mobility devices and parent device preference

Objectives Describe and compare young children’s use of four early power mobility devices and examine associations between child and environmental factors that may influence power mobility use and parent device preference. Design Cross-sectional observational study. Methods Power Mobility Days introduced four devices: Wizzybug, Bugzi, Tiger Cub, and a switch-adapted ride-on toy car in a single 60–90 min, play-based session. Results A convenience sample of 74 children, aged 9–68 months (mean: 32.45, SD: 14.08) with mobility limitations, and their parents participated. Children had a range of motor, postural and communication profiles, with cerebral palsy being the most common condition ( n = 55; 73.33%). Assessment of Learning Powered mobility use phase achieved ranged from 1 to 6; mean: 2.34; median: 2. For children who tried all four devices ( n = 51), Friedman test (χ2: 8.27, p = 0.04) suggests Assessment of Learning Powered mobility use phase differs across devices. Of 73 parents who identified a device preference, 43 (59%) chose Wizzybug. Regression analyses suggest that access method and communication function may influence children’s power mobility use, while age, access and postural support requirements may influence parent device choice. Discussion Parent impressions of an early power mobility device may be influenced by many factors, yet be less influenced by child performance.

Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Predicts Academic Fluency, Beyond Contributions of Core Academic Skills, Attention, and Motor Speed

Objective: Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) is a distinct behavioral phenotype characterized by such symptoms as being slow to complete tasks, appearing drowsy or sleepy, and lacking initiative. Subcomponents of SCT appear differentially associated with inattention symptoms and child outcomes. Much of the work in this area has examined associations between SCT symptoms and ratings of behavior; few studies have examined associations with child performance. Method: We examined associations between SCT and timed reading and math skills in 247 referred youth ( M age = 11.55, range = 6-20; 67.6% male), controlling for the untimed academic skills, inattention, and graphomotor speed. Results: SCT consistently predicted timed academic fluency, after controlling for other component skills, for both reading (SCT Δ R2 = .039, p = .001) and math (Δ R2 = .049, p = .001). Conclusion: Results provide initial evidence for the unique association of SCT with timed academic performance. Understanding associations of SCT with actual child performance may allow for greater specificity in targeting interventions to address speed of performance.