Developmental outcome of at-risk children at school age: Long-term sequelae of early risk factors

The present investigation examines the developmental sequelae of early risk factors at elementary school age. In a prospective study, motor, cognitive , and social-emotional outcome of 347 children born with various risks was assessed in four waves from early infancy up to age eight. Organic risk (pr e- and perinatal complications) and psychosocial risk (family adversity) we re differentiated at three levels and completely combined in a two-factoria l design. Results indicate that the negative impact of early risk factors p ersists into school age. Both children with organic risks and those with ps ychosocial risks show more unfavorable developmental outcomes at age 8 year s. While pre- and perinatal complications were related to disturbances in m otor and cognitive development, the adverse effects of family disadvantage concerned cognitive and social-emotional functioning. Since both risks cont ribute additively to outcome, children with multiple risks have the most un favorable development.