NICU follow-up care: The developmental and advocacy perspectives

The responsibility for the medical and developmental care of the premature infant falls to the neonatologist, the general practitioner, subspecialists, and therapists, as well as the family and available community resources. This article reviews the landscape of developmental delays among former premature infants and offers a framework for screening and addressing these delays in infancy and early childhood. A holistic approach to developmental delays, especially with regard to public benefits can mobilize resources early to assist families and shape the environment for the child both at home and at school. The medical and developmental team working together can improve the developmental trajectory of a child.