BIRD
Biomarkers in Infants at Risk of Developmental disorders
In the BIRD project we will investigate early signs of developmental disorders. In this study, 1700 children representative of the Dutch population will be assessed to investigate if their neurodevelopmental and motor condition at baby-age is predictive for developmental problems when they are 4-5 years of age.
Background
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 research study
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 will continue to examine the same cohort of children when they are 4-5 years of age. We will investigate whether early IMP and SINDA scores are predictive for developmental problems at 4-5 years of age.
The study consists of 2 parts. In part 1, all parents will be asked to complete an online questionnaire on the (neuro)developmental condition of their child.
In part 2, we will carry out a neurological, a motor, and an intelligence assessment of the child. During the assessment, parents will be asked to complete another questionnaire. Also, the teachers of the investigated children will be requested to complete an online questionnaire.
The research will take place in developmental neurology at the UMCG or at the homes of the participating families.
The researchers
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 or call 06-86882349.
Collaboration
In this research we work together with the University Medical Center Groningen, department of developmental neurology (part of the Beatrix children's hospital)