title: Executive function outcome in preterm adolescents.
abstract: Preterm birth (PT) and low birthweight (LBW) are risk factors for cognitive, academic, and behavioral difficulties. Executive functioning, which is an umbrella term encompassing higher-order problem-solving and goal-oriented abilities, may help to understand these impairments. This review article examines executive functioning in PT and LBW children, with a specific focus on adolescence and the functional consequences of executive dysfunction in this age group. We have focused on adolescence as it is a critical period for brain, cognitive and social-emotional development, and a period of increased autonomy, independence and reliance on executive functioning. While more longitudinal research is required, there is evidence demonstrating that the PT/LBW population is at increased risk for impairments across all executive domains. Emerging evidence also suggests that executive dysfunction may partly explain poorer academic and social-emotional competence in PT/LBW adolescents. In conclusion, PT/LBW adolescents exhibit poorer executive functioning, and close surveillance is recommended for high-risk individuals.
authors: Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia. alice.burnett@mcri.edu.au
authors: Alice Claudia
authors: AC
authors: Burnett
authors: Shannon Elizabeth
authors: SE
authors: Scratch
authors: Peter John
authors: PJ
authors: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D041923:Adolescent Development; D056344:Executive Function; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000209:etiology