BIRD

The prevalence of developmental problems in children is 10-17%. These problems can affect the life of the children themselves and their families. Having difficulties with moving (motor skills) is an example of a developmental disorder. When it impairs the child, this is called Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Other examples of developmental problems are difficulties with concentration or problems in interacting with other children. These examples can be symptoms of developmental disorders like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Developmental problems usually go unnoticed until relatively late in childhood, for example when children perform poorly in school or when they fail in gymnastics or handicraft. Nevertheless, parents begin to show concerns about their child’s development generally much earlier. As a consequence, concerns of parents can remain unheard and they can feel misunderstood. Children themselves can feel uncertain. Moreover, then the appropriate support might be available at a later point.  
This study will add knowledge about early signs of developmental disorders and therefore enable early detection and intervention of these disorders in the future. 

The BIRD project is a follow-up study of the IMP-SINDA norms study, which was conducted between 2017-2019. In that study, 1700 babies were assessed in order to create norm data for two instruments: The IMP and the SINDA. These are tests to evaluate the developmental condition of young infants. In the BIRD project, we examined the same cohort of children when they were 4-5 years of age. We investigated whether early IMP and SINDA scores were predictive for developmental problems at 4-5 years of age. 
The study consisted of 2 parts. In part 1, all parents were asked to complete an online questionnaire on the (neuro)developmental condition of their child. 
In part 2, we carried out a neurological, a motor, and an intelligence assessment of the child. During the assessment, parents were asked to complete another questionnaire. Also, the teachers of the investigated children were requested to complete an online questionnaire. 
The research took place in the department of developmental neurology at the UMCG or at the homes of the participating families.

Annelies de Bildt, Pieter Hoekstra, Anneke Brandsma and Selena Rosinda from Accare, Mijna Hadders-Algra and Kirsten Heineman from the developmental neurology (part of pediatrics) of the UMCG are involved in the project. 

For more information you can email bird@umcg.nl . 

In this research we work together with the University Medical Center Groningen, department of developmental neurology (part of the Beatrix children's hospital)