Neuroconstructivism to understand the effect of very preterm birth on language and literacy

The preterm population is not characterised by an initial delay that recovers during development, but by atypical developmental trajectories, that can be understood through the neuroconstructivist approach. The neuropsychological profiles of very preterm infants show a great heterogeneity, depending on neonatal immaturity, medical complications, environmental, relational and social factors. The developmental trajectory of very preterm children is described in relation to the acquisition and consolidation of language and literacy from early infancy to adolescence. Indexes for early individuation of language and literacy delays, as well as for planning focused interventions, are discussed.