Are preterm children with low birth weight differentially susceptible to the best and worst behavioural, ADHD symptom and academic outcomes at 7 years of age depending on family functioning?

Abstract

Preterm birth is associated with numerous risks, including deficits in behavioural and academic functioning. However, there is wide variability in outcomes, and conclusions regarding factors that moderate developmental outcomes have not yet been drawn. This review examines the literature regarding outcomes of children born preterm and the differential susceptibility hypothesis as a potential framework for understanding differences in outcomes. Findings of this review indicate that further studies investigating differential susceptibility in preterm children are warranted. Future studies may consider using family functioning as a moderating factor as well as examining ADHD symptom severity to capture a wider range of functioning.