Author:
Kelly Kaitlyn J.,Hutton John S.,Parikh Nehal A.,Barnes-Davis Maria E.
Abstract
Premature children are at high risk for delays in language and reading, which can lead to poor school achievement. Neuroimaging studies have assessed structural and functional connectivity by diffusion MRI, functional MRI, and magnetoencephalography, in order to better define the “reading network” in children born preterm. Findings point to differences in structural and functional connectivity compared to children born at term. It is not entirely clear whether this discrepancy is due to delayed development or alternative mechanisms for reading, which may have developed to compensate for brain injury in the perinatal period. This narrative review critically appraises the existing literature evaluating the neural basis of reading in preterm children, summarizes the current findings, and suggests future directions in the field.
Funder
National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation
Subject
Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health