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Increasingly, families know prenatally of certain diagnoses with a high probability of developmental delays. These diagnoses could result in eligibility for Part C early intervention (EI) postnatally. Although prenatal developmental interventions (e.g., Early Head Start, Nurse Family Partnership) are common for families with environmental risks, no research has explored the potential of prenatal EI for those families with EI eligible diagnoses. This online survey research explored family and practitioner perspectives of potential prenatal EI and project-identified prenatal outcomes (i.e., health and well-being, parent-child interactions, parenting to family culture, and navigating systems and supports). Overall, both samples reported the prenatal outcomes were clear and important prenatally. Families preferred EI practitioners help with all outcomes. Practitioners preferred to take the lead on some outcomes (e.g., knowledge of and comfort with EI services, intention of EI), whereas the medical community took the lead on others. Findings support the need for further research on the potential of prenatal EI and resulted in implications for current postnatal EI.

Infants born extremely premature are increasing in incidence and survival rates. This longitudinal study examined caregiver-child interaction in a new generation of extremely premature infants. Caregiver-child interaction and child developmental status were assessed in 41 primary caregivers and their infants at three periods (9-13 and 21-25 months adjusted age and 33-36 months chronological age). Caregiver interaction was stable over the three ages and significantly lower than cross-sectional comparison samples randomized from the Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training computer database. Caregiver interaction was related to later child interaction but not developmental status. Implications for intervention and developmental surveillance are discussed.

A dearth of literature exists regarding barriers to physicians providing medical care to patients with intellectual disabilities. Using an exploratory study, we assessed current physician practice for this population of patients. We mailed a 17-question anonymous survey to primary care physicians (PCPs) in Connecticut. Results showed that many physicians care for patients with intellectual disabilities, but approximately 62% of physicians believed caring for this group to be more difficult compared to other groups. Lack of training and education pertaining to patients with intellectual disabilities, issues of communication, and interruptions in continuity of patient care affect physicians' ability to care for this population. Future research should establish best practices and examine nationwide practices in providing care to patients with intellectual disabilities.