NEURODEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENT IN THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE

Key words: Neurodevelopmental assessment, Infant, Brain dysfunction

A neurodevelopmental assessment is proposed, based largely on Milani Comparetti’s concepts, and enriched by certain neonatal neurobehavioral items of Brazelton and Als and the Prechtl’s general movements (GMs) assessment in the first four months of life. It privileges the observation of spontaneous motor and interactive behavioral activity at four different phases during the first year of life, according to the stages of the separation-individuation process. Three main parameters are assessed: a) autonomic stability, focused on the first trimester; b) motor activity, divided into the non-functional spontaneous movement repertoire and adaptive functional motor activity; c) behavioral modulation, interpersonal and with the environment and objects. It is a simple, non intrusive method intended to be included in routine pediatric assessment. The overall main goal is to enable the pediatrician, through the assessment of normality, to reveal any deficit needing referral for specialistic investigation.