Journal Of Developmental And Behavioral Pediatrics[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Social Visual Engagement in Preterm and Term Children With Autism: Consistent Eye-tracking Patterns Irrespective of Gestational Age.
Key AP, McQueen E, Tokish H … +4 more , Edwards L, Jones W, Klin A, Klaiman C
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Apr · PMID 41949472 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Premature infants born before 37 weeks' gestation are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delays and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with the general population. This study aimed to evaluate ASD s...
OBJECTIVE: Premature infants born before 37 weeks' gestation are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delays and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with the general population. This study aimed to evaluate ASD symptoms independently of the developmental sequelae of preterm birth by objectively assessing social visual engagement using eye-tracking procedures during free viewing of short, dynamic video clips. METHOD: One hundred twenty-eight autistic toddlers born at term and 64 toddlers born preterm (23-36 weeks; 31 diagnosed with autism) between 1 and 3 years of chronological age completed an experimental eye-tracking measure of social visual engagement and gold-standard diagnostic behavioral assessment by expert clinicians. RESULTS: The preterm-born toddlers who were versus were not diagnosed with autism demonstrated significantly lower visual engagement with the eyes and mouth regions of the stimuli and increased fixation on objects. Individual differences in these eye-tracking metrics correlated with clinical measures of autism symptoms and receptive language. Comparisons of autistic toddlers born at term versus preterm identified no group differences in the patterns of social visual engagement. Greater gestational age at birth was associated only with better nonverbal developmental outcomes. CONCLUSION: Early symptoms of autism present similarly in preterm and term-born toddlers when evaluated using objective eye-tracking metrics of social visual engagement. Alterations in social engagement associated with autism seem independent of broader developmental concerns related to prematurity and therefore are a useful aid in the early identification of ASD-specific concerns in preterm toddlers for whom differential diagnosis based on behavior alone may be particularly challenging.
Active Parent-Child Leisure, Sedentariness, and Sleep in Toddlerhood Promise Later Active Lifestyle in Early Adolescence.
Harandian K, Kosak LA, Tremblay M … +1 more , Pagani LS
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Apr · PMID 41949062 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Approximately 80% of adolescents worldwide do not meet recommendations for physical activity, raising health concerns. Influenced by family lifestyle and parenting, childhood habits originate and be...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Approximately 80% of adolescents worldwide do not meet recommendations for physical activity, raising health concerns. Influenced by family lifestyle and parenting, childhood habits originate and become habitual from birth onward, representing a protective or risk factor for healthy development. However, there is little compelling longitudinal evidence about behavioral persistence into adolescence. Spanning over a decade, this population-based prospective-longitudinal birth cohort study examines associations between typical activities in toddlerhood and early adolescent lifestyle. METHOD: Participants are 849 boys and 819 girls born between 1997 and 1998 from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. Linear regression analyses examined associations between parent-reported daily movement behaviors (active leisure, screen time, and sleep) at age 2.5 years and self-reported indicators of an active lifestyle (outdoor play and leisure physical activity level) at age 12 years, while adjusting for pre-existing individual and family factors. RESULTS: Adjusted results revealed associations between distinct movement behaviors and future active lifestyle indicators for boys and girls. Combined daily movement behaviors in early childhood explained more subsequent time spent playing outdoors for boys (β = 0.15, p ≤ 0.001) and girls (β = 0.11, p ≤ 0.01) and higher levels of leisure physical activity for girls (β = 0.13, p ≤ 0.001) a decade later. CONCLUSION: Early family participation in active leisure with toddlers and limitations on screen use forecasted more active lifestyle habits by early adolescence, above and beyond pre-existing individual/family factors. Parental awareness and monitoring of early child movement guidelines foster healthy growth and development trajectories, thus promoting long-term wellness.
Time to Medication Initiation in School-age Children With ADHD in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics.
Kasinathan SS, Huffman LC, Luo I … +1 more , Bannett Y
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Apr · PMID 41945689 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To assess the timing of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication prescriptions in relation to the ADHD diagnostic visit in school-aged children seen in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DB...
OBJECTIVE: To assess the timing of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication prescriptions in relation to the ADHD diagnostic visit in school-aged children seen in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) clinics and to investigate which clinical and sociodemographic factors affect the timing of medication prescription. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed electronic health records of children 6 to 12 years old seen between 2016 and 2024 in 6 DBP clinics at Stanford Medicine Children's Health. ADHD cohort included patients with ICD-10 ADHD diagnosis and ≥1 month follow-up. Andersen Health Care Utilization model informed selection of predisposing (age, sex, race/ethnicity), enabling (insurance, clinician type), and need (ADHD subtype, co-occurring conditions) factors. Primary outcome included: time from first ADHD diagnosis to first ADHD medication prescription within 1 year of diagnosis. Cox regression model assessed associations between clinical and sociodemographic factors and study outcome. RESULTS: Of 823 patients with ADHD, 623 (75.7%) were male; average age at first ADHD diagnosis was 8.2 years (SD = 1.5). Of 823 patients, 484 (58.8%) were prescribed medications within 1 year of diagnosis. The average number of days from ADHD diagnosis to first prescription was 51 days (median = 4). Longer time to medication prescription was associated with Asian race/ethnicity, psychologist clinician, and presence of 1 to 2 co-occurring conditions (most commonly anxiety). Shorter time to prescription was associated with older age, and ADHD combined and hyperactive/impulsive subtypes. CONCLUSION: Clinical and sociodemographic factors, including patient race/ethnicity, were associated with timing of medication initiation in school-aged children diagnosed with ADHD in DBP clinics. Future mixed-methods studies are needed to understand factors that influence medication initiation in DBP practice.
Afterword to Exploring Complex Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Through Challenging Cases.
Diekroger EA, Fogler JM
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Mar-Apr 01 · PMID 41941287 · Full text
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Rebuilding Family Relations for Children and Youth Separated From Family.
Akpan IJ
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Mar-Apr 01 · PMID 41914510 · Publisher ↗
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Commentary: Complex Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is Inherently Intersectional.
Loe IM, Spinks-Franklin A
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Mar-Apr 01 · PMID 41880195 · Full text
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Safety-Net Leadership Perspectives on Collaborative Care for Children With Developmental Disabilities.
Srinivasan AP, Venegas M, Akins RS … +2 more , Fernandez Y Garcia E, Stahmer AC
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41880188 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To identify key barriers and facilitators to designing and implementing collaborative care (CC) for children with developmental disabilities (DD) in safety-net primary care. METHODS: This pre-implementation qu...
OBJECTIVE: To identify key barriers and facilitators to designing and implementing collaborative care (CC) for children with developmental disabilities (DD) in safety-net primary care. METHODS: This pre-implementation qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with safety-net primary care leaders. Using purposive and respondent-driven sampling, interviews were conducted with 16 leaders across 9 safety-net organizations in Northern California between August 2024 and January 2025. Key Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) constructs guided data collection. Data were analyzed using the Rapid Assessment Process and validated through structured member checking. RESULTS: Leaders from 8 of 9 organizations reported existing integrated behavioral health programs staffed by mental health counselors and/or psychiatrists, but nearly all noted that these programs did not address the specific needs of children with DD. When asked about developing a CC intervention for this population, leaders identified implementation barriers and facilitators that mapped to CFIR inner and outer setting domains. Four themes were distilled: inner setting barriers (space and cost), inner setting facilitators (perceived clinical need among leadership), outer setting barriers (restrictive Medicaid reimbursement policies and limited performance measurement pressure), and outer setting facilitators (alternative financing mechanisms). CONCLUSION: Safety-net leaders indicate a clinical need for CC models specifically for children with DD, but implementation success will depend on addressing space, financing, and policy barriers through targeted implementation strategies.
Challenging Case: Health Care Professionals as Cultural Brokers for a Boy From Central America With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Trauma and Stressor-related Disorder.
Cerda N, Shahidullah JD, Kates C … +3 more , Marquez A, Diekroger EA, Fogler J
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Mar-Apr 01 · PMID 41847794 · Full text
"Javier" is an 8-year-old boy with a complex psychosocial history presenting for a developmental-behavioral pediatrics consultation because of concerns regarding hyperactivity (affecting safety) and developmental delays,...
"Javier" is an 8-year-old boy with a complex psychosocial history presenting for a developmental-behavioral pediatrics consultation because of concerns regarding hyperactivity (affecting safety) and developmental delays, including "lack of independence." He is not yet toilet trained and in his mother's words, "he has the mindset of a child that is much younger than his actual age." Javier's family emigrated to the United States from Central America a year ago to seek asylum. During his family's journey to the United States, Javier and his mother were kidnapped and sexually assaulted. On settling into the United States, Javier was evaluated by his local school district and qualified for specialized services. His mother is not aware of what support he receives at school and is concerned that he is not making sufficient progress. He has not previously received developmental therapies or psychosocial interventions.Javier has demonstrated developmental delays, including reduced reciprocal social communication skills, since birth. His mother shared that he was not able to attend school in Central America as "no schools had the resources to educate him." He began speaking around age 5 years and currently communicates using phrased speech. There have been long-standing safety concerns related to his impulsivity, including wandering, which first emerged in his early toddler years. His hyperactivity predates his history of trauma and sexual abuse. Currently, he demonstrates intermittent physical aggression toward family members. He is interested in fire and has set objects on fire in the home. He is also drawn to placing items in electrical outlets, which has resulted in multiple self-electrocutions.Javier does not have medical insurance but receives limited health coverage through a program for uninsured residents with low income. He was evaluated by a psychiatrist and prescribed 2 medications, although his mother does not know the names of the medications prescribed. Review of psychiatry records indicated that he was prescribed guanfacine extended-release and amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts extended release. These medications led to improvements in his behavior regulation, although he was not able to take these medications consistently because of cost.Javier's developmental evaluation included assessment of his cognitive, adaptive, and social communication skills in his native language. His diagnostic evaluation yielded provisional diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder with accompanying speech and intellectual impairment. Psychiatric diagnostic impressions included complex attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the context of his significant trauma history. His mother did not have prior conceptualization of developmental or psychiatric diagnoses, and psychoeducation through a cultural lens was provided. What are your next steps in partnering with Javier's family as they navigate medical and educational systems following their recent arrival to the United States?* "Javier" is a pseudonym.
Effects of Paternal Skin Contact on Physical Parameters, Cortisol Levels and Newborn Comfort: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Sevimli Güler D, Aydin Kartal Y, Caner İ
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 May-Jun 01 · PMID 41834739 · Publisher ↗
AIM: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of skin-to-skin contact between newborns born by cesarean section and their fathers on the newborns' physiological parameters, salivary cortisol levels, and comfor...
AIM: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of skin-to-skin contact between newborns born by cesarean section and their fathers on the newborns' physiological parameters, salivary cortisol levels, and comfort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, which used a randomized controlled experimental design, 80 healthy term newborns delivered by cesarean section. In the intervention group, the fathers applied skin-to-skin contact (SSC) for 45 minutes to their newborns. In the control group, the newborns received routine care. Data were collected using a parent descriptive information form, newborn descriptive information form, (SSC) monitoring form, and Neonatal Comfort Behavior Scale|Newborn Comfort Behavior Scale. Body temperature, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiration were measured, and salivary cortisol analysis was performed. RESULTS: No significant differences were found regarding the sociodemographic characteristics in the intervention and control groups. Body temperature was significantly higher during (20th minute) and after (45th minute) SSC, whereas heart and respiratory rates were significantly lower in newborns in the intervention group than those in the control group. The 45-minute SPO 2 values and comfort levels of the intervention group newborns were also significantly higher than those of the control group newborns. The salivary cortisol level was significantly higher in the intervention group at the 20th minute, but there was no significant difference between the groups at the 45th minute. CONCLUSION: Paternal SSC with newborns has positive effect on physiological parameters and patient comfort. However, it is recommended that salivary cortisol levels be studied in larger samples with repeated and long-term measurements.
"I Need to Pay Attention to Everything": Perspectives of Low-income Parents of Preterm Children on Early Relational Health.
Guyol GG, Arenson M, Baumann K … +5 more , Ruiz S, Mendelsohn AL, Litt JS, Colvin BN, Parker MG
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 May-Jun 01 · PMID 41805267 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Supporting early relational health (ERH) positively affects lifelong health. We investigated perspectives of low-income parents of preterm children regarding child factors and parenting behaviors (defined as r...
OBJECTIVE: Supporting early relational health (ERH) positively affects lifelong health. We investigated perspectives of low-income parents of preterm children regarding child factors and parenting behaviors (defined as responsive parenting, structure/routines, and warm parent-child relationship) associated with ERH and factors associated with these behaviors. METHODS: We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with low-income parents of children born preterm between Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) discharge and age 3 years. We examined perceptions of ERH and used the PRECEDE framework to identify predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors affecting parenting behaviors associated with ERH. We developed codes and themes iteratively using a deductive qualitative approach. RESULTS: We interviewed 22 parents of children born 24 to 34 weeks' gestation at 1 to 35 months corrected age. Regarding perspectives on ERH, parents shared that the NICU hospitalization heightens attention to children after discharge and that they feel an intense, sometimes overwhelming, bond with children born preterm. Parents both make accommodations for their preterm children and treat them the same as children born full term. Medical vulnerability affects how they spend time with their children. Regarding predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors of parenting behaviors associated with ERH, parents noted that developmental professionals can support relationships, that perceptions of preterm birth affect parents' relationships with their children, and that prior experience parenting preterm and full-term children affects confidence and knowledge of how to form relationships. CONCLUSION: Adaptation of existing ERH interventions should incorporate ways that NICU hospitalization and views of prematurity inform low-income parents' perceptions and use of parenting behaviors associated with ERH.
Academic Impairment in Children Born Very Preterm at 7 and 13 Years of age.
Pascoe L, Mürner-Lavanchy I, Gordon J … +2 more , Spencer-Smith M, Anderson PJ
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 May-Jun 01 · PMID 41766567 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Children born very preterm (VPT) are vulnerable to academic challenges; however, it remains unclear whether these difficulties persist into early adolescence. This study aimed to investigate rates of academic...
OBJECTIVE: Children born very preterm (VPT) are vulnerable to academic challenges; however, it remains unclear whether these difficulties persist into early adolescence. This study aimed to investigate rates of academic impairment in children born VPT and full-term, and impairment stability from 7 to 13 years in children born VPT using 2 approaches: academic underachievement and IQ-achievement discrepancy. METHOD: Participants were children born <30 weeks' gestational age and/or <1250 g and full-term (≥37 weeks' gestational age) assessed at 7 (VPT n = 197, full-term n = 69) and 13 years (VPT n = 179, full-term n = 61) on general cognitive ability (WASI-4 and KBIT-2), word reading, spelling, and mathematics (WRAT-4). RESULTS: Using an underachievement approach, children born VPT were more likely to have an academic impairment at ages 7 and 13 years compared with term-born controls, particularly in reading (odds ratio [OR] and confidence interval [CI] at 7 years: 3.72 [1.67-8.27], at 13 years: 2.55 [1.06-6.11]) and mathematics (OR [CI] at 7 years: 5.77 [2.51-13.25], at 13 years: 2.78 [1.36-5.69]). Rates of impairment were low for both groups using an IQ-achievement discrepancy approach, although a group difference was evident for mathematics impairment at 7 years (OR [CI] 5.94 [1.37-25.8]), with higher rates in the VPT group (15% vs 3%). Rates of academic impairment remained relatively stable between 7 and 13 years of age, regardless of the approach applied. CONCLUSION: The rate of academic impairment varies depending on the approach used to classify impairment. Our findings suggest that academic difficulties in children born VPT may reflect a general cognitive impairment rather than a specific academic deficit.
How are School-aged Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Digital Media? A Qualitative Study of Families' Lived Experiences.
Pennewitt D, Borgen A, Warfle M … +3 more , Fish A, Mohiuddin S, Munzer T
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 May-Jun 01 · PMID 41711264 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Children with autism may be more likely to experience challenges and adverse effects from digital media use; however, prior work has not qualitatively examined children's and caregivers' experiences. Among car...
OBJECTIVE: Children with autism may be more likely to experience challenges and adverse effects from digital media use; however, prior work has not qualitatively examined children's and caregivers' experiences. Among caregivers and school-age children with autism, we aim to qualitatively examine the context, content, and function of digital media use, behavioral strategies, and challenges navigating digital media. METHODS: Caregivers of school-aged children with autism (aged 6-11 years) completed questionnaires on demographic information, child characteristics, and digital media habits. A total of 22 caregivers and 10 children with autism participated in qualitative interviews by Zoom. Questions probed for family experiences, challenges, and digital media strategies. A multidisciplinary team used interview transcripts to conduct an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Children with autism in the study had an average of 4.3 hours of screen media use daily; 68.2% had their own tablet and 27.3% had their own mobile device. We identified 7 themes: Wired World (children are exposed to digital media across settings), Diving Deep and Building Skills (children use media to learn and delve into interests), Retreat/Relief from Reality (digital media is less stressful than other tasks), No Size Fits All (caregivers used diverse strategies), Societal Blame and Parental Shame (caregivers expressed internalized guilt around children's media use), The Digital Dark Side (concerns about inappropriate content and privacy), and The Double Edged Sword (digital media comes with both benefits and challenges). CONCLUSION: Results from this study emphasize the need for individualized guidance, flexibility, and understanding of digital media's functional role in families of children with autism.
Bayley Assessment Score Revisions in High-risk Population After Release of new Normatives.
Starzyk D, Holzman JBW, Wolfe K … +1 more , Dempsey AG
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 May-Jun 01 · PMID 41711256 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition (Bayley-4), which was released in 2019, received updated normative data in 2023, raising concerns about potential score shifts in previously...
OBJECTIVE: The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition (Bayley-4), which was released in 2019, received updated normative data in 2023, raising concerns about potential score shifts in previously collected data. This study examined whether developmental interpretations based on the original versus revised norms differ within a cohort of medically complex children. METHOD: Scores from 61 children assessed with the Bayley-4 before revised norms were released were used in this study. Frequency of changes in results across Standard Scores at the composite level (cognitive, language, motor) and paired samples t tests of original and new Standard Scores sets were analyzed. RESULTS: Score changes witnessed went beyond the publisher's descriptions that resulted in increases and decreases throughout several descriptive classifications that are used for clinical interpretation. Of the 3 domains analyzed, language scores showed a minor but statistically significant increase between sample sets ( p < 0.01), whereas motor and cognitive scores showed no significant difference ( p > 0.05). Only 1 change between original and revised scores in the motor domain resulted in a different descriptive classification. CONCLUSION: Although many of the revised scores on the Bayley-4 yielded minor differences, unanticipated changes were observed such as score decreases, classification change, and notable differences in mean language scores. Because of these discrepancies, researchers and clinicians using the Bayley-4 during 2019 to 2023 should consider re-evaluating scores.
Abstracts of Posters and Research Platforms Accepted for Presentation at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Jan-Feb 01 · PMID 41685754 · Publisher ↗
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Complex Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a 15-year-old With a Substance Use Disorder.
Simon KM, Sukkarieh M, Walsh E … +4 more , Green L, Gates LA, Diekroger EA, Fogler JM
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Jan-Feb 01 · PMID 41685752 · Full text
"JD" (identifying details have been changed), a 15-year-old Afro-Caribbean female sophomore student diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), was referred to an Adolescent Substance Use and Addictio...
"JD" (identifying details have been changed), a 15-year-old Afro-Caribbean female sophomore student diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), was referred to an Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program after substance use disorder screening indicated a positive result, suggesting significant risk. The screening was part of a routine checkup by her primary care provider after noticeable declines in her academic performance and mood.Previously a consistent student, JD's struggles with inattention, forgetfulness, and organizational challenges had become increasingly apparent. Teachers reported that JD seemed perpetually distracted, disengaged, and frequently excused herself to the bathroom. "It's like I'm there, but not really there," JD explained during an evaluation, describing how disconnected she felt from her surroundings. Moreover, her involvement in extracurricular activities such as the debate club and soccer had waned, changes she vaguely attributed to "lack of energy." JD's mother described the transformation as watching her daughter "slip away into someone unrecognizable. Every day brings a new worry."At home, JD's mother discovered JD vaping and found what appeared to be drug paraphernalia in her backpack. Distraught, she confided the ongoing strain these discoveries placed on the family. This period marked a significant emotional toll on the family, accentuating the urgent need for intervention. The sense of loss felt by JD's family was compounded by their fear of her potential decline into more dangerous behaviors, especially given that JD's maternal uncle died of an unintentional opioid-involved overdose.In the initial consultation, JD was reticent to talk about her substance use but gradually disclosed her regular use of cannabis and nicotine via vaping. JD explained that nicotine temporarily enhanced her focus, whereas cannabis provided relief from overwhelming stress, albeit occasionally accompanied by episodes of paranoia. "Sometimes it feels like it's the only thing that calms things down in my head," JD admitted. She voiced a readiness to quit nicotine but showed ambivalence about changing her cannabis use. Despite the adverse effects, JD perceived these substances as benign when compared with other drugs or alcohol ("weed is natural").Complicating the clinical picture, JD viewed her friends as support pillars, contrary to her parents' beliefs that these relationships exacerbated her substance use. Her parents advocated for a strict regimen of abstinence from all substances and a complete disassociation from her friends. "They think my friends are the problem, but they're not," JD contested.The cultural dimensions of JD's identity significantly influenced her engagement with treatment. JD articulated her desire for a treatment approach that respected her and asked for a clinician who could "see where I'm coming from… someone who understands me, not someone who just wants to change me."Considering JD's ADHD diagnosis, her escalating substance use, and the socio-cultural factors influencing her behavior, what approaches could best address the interplay of these elements to foster a holistic and effective treatment plan for her?
PTSD and the Mother-Infant Relationship During the Perinatal Period: A Scoping Review.
Addante S, Scharff A, Padin A … +6 more , Perez-Chavez J, Reyes K, Blue M, Torres M, Wiklund L, Shalowitz M
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Jan-Feb 01 · PMID 41685751 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Associations between perinatal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the mother-infant relationship are increasingly recognized as a serious concern with implications for maternal and infant health; however...
OBJECTIVE: Associations between perinatal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the mother-infant relationship are increasingly recognized as a serious concern with implications for maternal and infant health; however, the existing body of literature has yet to be systematically mapped, leaving questions about current gaps and areas for future research. METHODS: Studies that included pregnant and/or postpartum (i.e., up to 12 months following delivery) individuals who reported PTSD symptoms and/or diagnosis and were assessed for at least 1 mother-infant relationship outcome during the perinatal period were considered eligible. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Google Scholar was conducted. The search included studies published in English at any time before January 2024. Data extraction was performed using a standardized form developed and tested by the research team. Finally, data were summarized to address the review's research questions. RESULTS: The 57 included studies examined the relationship between PTSD and at least 1 dyadic process related to the mother-infant relationship during the perinatal period. Studies originated primarily from the United States, used quantitative, cross-sectional, nonexperimental methodologies, and sampled predominantly White and highly educated birthing persons. Most studies indicated an association between perinatal PTSD and the mother-infant relationship, such that women with more significant PTSD symptoms demonstrated greater mother-infant relationship difficulties. DISCUSSION: Findings highlight the need for longitudinal, multimethod research that integrates diverse samples and culturally informed methodologies to enhance maternal-infant relationships and mitigate intergenerational trauma.
Deafness and Hearing Problems and Their Association With Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Symptoms.
Talge NM, Keim SA, Yisahak SF … +3 more , Findlen UM, Bechtold LK, Ingersoll B
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Jan-Feb 01 · PMID 41685750 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Problems with hearing feature prominently in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but remain poorly characterized within population-based samples and according to symptom heterogeneity. METHOD: We analyzed cross-sec...
OBJECTIVE: Problems with hearing feature prominently in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but remain poorly characterized within population-based samples and according to symptom heterogeneity. METHOD: We analyzed cross-sectional, caregiver-reported data from the National Survey of Children's Health (2016-2020). Our US-based sample included children with data on the presence/absence of "deafness or problems with hearing" (DPHs) and ASD (ages 3-17 years; n = 150,327). We used weighted logistic regression to examine the association between DPHs and (1) ASD diagnosis (no, yes), (2) ASD symptom severity (none, mild, moderate/severe), and (3) co-occurrences of ASD with intellectual disability (ID) (neither, ASD only, ID only, both) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (neither, ADHD only, ADHD only, both). We also assessed effect modification by sex and preterm birth. RESULTS: Deafness or problems with hearing were associated with greater odds of ASD (OR = 2.7; 95% CI, 1.8-3.9), with 4% of children with ASD having DPHs versus 1% of children without ASD. Associations were stronger for: moderate/severe ASD symptoms (OR = 3.5; 95% CI, 2.1-5.7) versus mild symptoms (OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.1); children with co-occurring ID (OR = 5.0; 95% CI, 2.8-9.0) or ID only (OR = 8.6; 95% CI, 6.0-12.4); and children with co-occurring ADHD (OR = 4.3; 95% CI, 2.5-7.2) than for ASD only. Findings persisted after adjustment and were stronger for females versus males but were not modified by preterm birth. CONCLUSION: Deafness or problems with hearing are associated with ASD, particularly-though not exclusively among children with more severe symptoms and co-occurring ID. Future research is needed to determine whether DPHs in ASD are driven by sensory, cognitive, and/or motivational processes or residual confounding (e.g., congenital anomalies).
Parental Technoference (Technology Interference) and Children's Social-Emotional Development: Coparenting as a Mediator.
Shen L, Zheng J, Ren L
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 Jan-Feb 01 · PMID 41685749 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Although the impact of parental technoference on family dynamics has been increasingly studied, its association with preschoolers' social-emotional development and the underlying mechanism behind the associati...
OBJECTIVE: Although the impact of parental technoference on family dynamics has been increasingly studied, its association with preschoolers' social-emotional development and the underlying mechanism behind the association remain underexplored. This study aimed to examine the relationship between parental technoference and preschoolers' social-emotional development among Chinese families, with coparenting as a potential mediator. METHOD: This study involved 207 Chinese families with preschoolers (mean age = 4.72 years). Both mothers and fathers reported on their perceptions of technoference, coparenting quality, and their child's social-emotional development. RESULTS: Parental technoference was negatively associated with both mother- and father-reported coparenting quality. However, only father-reported coparenting, but not mother-reported coparenting, was significantly related to children's social-emotional development. Analysis of the indirect effects showed that both father-reported supportive and undermining coparenting partially mediated the relationship between parental technoference and certain aspects of children's social-emotional development. By contrast, mother-reported coparenting did not significantly mediate the association between parental technoference and children's social-emotional development. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the importance of managing parental technoference and strengthening coparenting to promote social-emotional development in Chinese preschool children.
Five-year Outcomes From a Career Exploration Pilot Program for Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.
Mittal S, Barnhardt E, Pereira-Smith S … +4 more , McCafferty S, Patel R, Miller K, Perrin E
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 May-Jun 01 · PMID 41664440 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a national career exploration program, Exploring DBP , on trainee interest in pursuing exploring developmental-behavioral pediatrics (DBP) fellowship, and to describe participant demo...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a national career exploration program, Exploring DBP , on trainee interest in pursuing exploring developmental-behavioral pediatrics (DBP) fellowship, and to describe participant demographics, knowledge gains, and perceived barriers to entering the field. METHOD: Presurvey and postsurvey results were analyzed from the program's 2019 to 2023 cohorts assessing demographics, DBP knowledge, program satisfaction, and likelihood to apply for fellowship. Data were analyzed descriptively. Qualitative responses were analyzed to explore career decision factors. RESULTS: From 2019 to 2023, 239 participants completed the program (50.1% residents, 44.8% medical students, and 5.0% general pediatricians). The cohort had greater representation of trainees from ethnically diverse backgrounds compared with national averages (e.g., 26.6% Hispanic vs 7%-9%). Participants consistently rated mentorship and personal stories from DBP professionals as the most valuable program components. After the program, the proportion of participants who were "likely" or "very likely" to apply for a DBP fellowship rose from 46% to 79%. Key reported barriers to pursuing fellowship included inadequate compensation, training length, student loan burden, and competing interest in fields such as child psychiatry or neurology. A 2022 follow-up survey found that 41% of eligible early participants had successfully matched into a DBP fellowship program. CONCLUSION: The program effectively increased knowledge and interest in pursuing a DBP career. Structured early exposure may support recruitment into undersubscribed pediatric subspecialties.
The Relationship Between the Survey of Well-being of Young Children and Speech-language Delay Diagnosis.
Kasambira Fannin D, Shu J, Dawson G … +3 more , Maslow G, Goldstein BA, Franz L
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2026 May-Jun 01 · PMID 41656698 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: The Survey of Well-being of Young Children (SWYC) supports developmental screening at well-child visits. However, a US Preventive Services Task Force report suggests insufficient evidence for this approach for...
OBJECTIVE: The Survey of Well-being of Young Children (SWYC) supports developmental screening at well-child visits. However, a US Preventive Services Task Force report suggests insufficient evidence for this approach for speech-language delay identification. The objective of this study was to determine associations between SWYC use and score at 24-month visits and timing of speech-language delay diagnoses and whether timing differed by sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: Using electronic health records of 7,198 children born January 2016-December 2020 in a mid-sized health care system, we fit Kaplan-Meier survival curves for time to speech-language delay diagnosis based on SWYC use and score. Cox proportional hazards time-to-event analyses were run, and interactions between SWYC use and score and sociodemographics were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty percent received the SWYC, with use increasing during the study period with no sociodemographic differences detected. While SWYC use had no association with diagnosis (hazard ratio: 0.986, 95% confidence interval: 0.856-1.1136), lower SWYC scores (indicating greater developmental concern) were associated with higher likelihood of diagnosis (hazard ratio: 0.114, 95% confidence interval: 0.095-0.137). Interactions between scores and diagnostic timing by payer type and race/ethnicity were detected. Boys, publicly insured children, and those with lower SWYC scores were more likely to receive a speech-language delay diagnosis at their 24-month visit. CONCLUSION: While clinicians likely rely on clinical judgement to identify delays, results suggest the SWYC is associated with speech-language delay identification. The ability of the SWYC to identify speech-language delay was moderated by insurance and race/ethnicity, warranting further study of factors shaping diagnostic decision-making.
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