Non-verbal communication of infants born prematurely as a method of assessing the functional state of the central nervous system

Abstract

Non-verbal communication usually complements verbal communication. The means of non-verbal communication usually include gestures, body or head movements, body posture, facial expression, eye view, proxemics and body contact, tone of voice and other aspects of our appearance or the space we inhabit. However, we can obtain a much wider range of information from the non-verbal communication of infants born prematurely. Experts, doctors (neurologist, neonatologist) and development specialists from various non-medical professions (speech and language therapist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist) need to investigate the current functional state, during hospitalisation, of the central nervous system in a baby born prematurely, to predict the neurodevelopmental deficits of various types and degrees. Premature birth increases the risk of sensory or physical deficits and neurodevelopmental disorders. With the help of several basic tools, it is possible to evaluate, for example, the neurological development or behavioural development of the infant. This review article aims to present the currently used methods for determining the functional state of the central nervous system during hospitalisation in babies born prematurely, which can be administered by a speech and language therapist, but also by other professionals from the medical and non-medical professions.

Keywords

• non-verbal communication
• premature baby
• neonatal neurobehavioural assessment
• observation of spontaneous movement