Section 5 Early Intervention

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Neurodevelopment and Neurodevelopmental Disorder

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Chapter 7

at Risk

Abstract

intervention tool is analyzed.

premature babies

1. Introduction

121

1.1 Early intervention

INA Early Intervention for Babies

Brain and nervous system development are experience dependent. Indeed, the sequence of development is laid out genetically, but early environmental events are major contributors to the system's development and optimal functioning. Various fetal injuries and birth trauma make babies vulnerable to developmental problems: cerebral palsy, seizures, abnormal muscle tone, delayed developmental milestones, sensory integration, and more. Our goal in the study presented here was to improve the neurodevelopmental track of babies at risk using Infant Neural Aquatic. Parent and baby dyads who met initial criteria were recruited for a 5–6 months intervention period through an open invitation, followed by a conversation and signing informed consent. In the beginning and end of intervention period, participants completed questionnaires, and developmental features of the babies were assessed using analysis of neuro-motor and vocal characteristics. Significant neurodevelopmental delta between values at the end and beginning of intervention period, comparing intervention and control, is described, and the strength of INA specific

Hagit Friedman, Marina Soloveichick, Amir Kushnir,

Chava Kasher, Caroline Barmatz and Omer Bar-Yosef

Keywords: brain development, brain injury, early neurodevelopment, early intervention, developmental time windows, developmental insult,

early intervention—for babies and for disabled people.

In the old Talmud, an imbecile, deaf-mute, and a minor were included in the same category related to religious obligations (Baba Kama 55 page B). This approach was explained as probably the earliest expression of the significance and power of

In recent decades, we return to this approach and look for suitable and efficient early intervention models in order to successfully cope with developmental insults. Training with babies in an aquatic setting has been found to benefit and promote

infant health and development [1–3], being based on the physical properties of water and their physiological outcomes on the neuromotor [4–6], cardiovascular [7, 8], and respiratory functions [3]. Specifically, training with babies in an aquatic setting adapted for young babies with developmental risk may strengthen the function of autonomic parasympathetic nervous system and improve the
