General

Early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as cerebral palsy, intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder, is a major challenge in paediatrics. The challenge is brought about by the rapid changes in the brain of the young child. Yet, early detection of children at high risk of neurodevelopmental disorders is crucial for a timely start of intervention, i.e., intervention at early age when the nervous system is highly plastic.

Topics

This international meeting addresses the themes of early detection and early intervention. It includes the following topics:

• the role of genetics, neuro-imaging and neurodevelopmental assessments in early detection;
• early detection in specific groups of at risk infants, such as infants with neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy and infants with complex congenital heart disorders;
• early intervention in the neonatal intensive care unit;
• early intervention at home;
• assistive devices in early intervention.

Goals

• Acquire knowledge about the role of genetics, neuro-imaging and neurodevelopmental assessments in early detection of developmental disorders.
• Acquire knowledge about the most relevant methods of early detection of developmental disorders in infants with neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy and infants with complex congenital heart disorders.
• Acquire knowledge about early in the neonatal intensive care unit and in the home situation and about the role of assistive devices in early intervention.