Infant Neurobehavior
Presented by Lara Liszka
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Infant neurobehavioral functioning is a complex interplay of neurological, motor, and psychological processes. This course aims to equip neonatal professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, assess, and support infant neurobehavioral functioning. Through chapters that cover the development and integration of neonatal reflexes, the foundations of arousal and state regulation, and current research linking neurobehavioral assessments to developmental outcomes, participants will gain a comprehensive clinical framework.
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate the neurological development and reflex integrity in infants to determine their impact on neurobehavioral functioning and long-term developmental outcomes
- Critique the behavioral components of infant neurobehavioral functioning by integrating evidence-based analysis of factors such as self-regulation, arousal, and excitability
- Formulate evidence-based clinical strategies to address infant neurobehavioral challenges and support optimal developmental trajectories
- Prioritize infant neurobehavioral capacities when designing developmentally appropriate assessment frameworks to guide clinical interventions
- Recommend age-appropriate, occupation-based strategies that incorporate functional activities, such as feeding and self-regulation, into treatment plans for infants with neurobehavioral sequelae
Meet your instructor
Lara Liszka
Lara Liszka earned her doctorate in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis in 2019, where she was a member of the NICU Therapy Lab. Her doctoral research focused on early auditory exposure across neonatal environments and the social factors influencing the early auditory environment after NICU discharge.…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Neurological Integrity of Infants
This chapter will cover the neurological development and reflex integrity of infants. It will outline the progression and integration of neonatal reflexes during the first year of life. It will also address the development and maturation of the motor system. Additionally, the chapter will highlight clinical observations that guide the assessment and support of infant motor and reflex function.
2. Behavioral Functioning of Infants
This chapter will delve into the behavioral components of infant neurobehavioral functioning, emphasizing the neurological and psychological foundations of infant arousal, excitability, and state regulation. This knowledge equips professionals with the tools necessary to support infant development and tailor interventions that promote optimal neurobehavioral outcomes.
3. Assessment and Treatment of Infant Neurobehavior
This chapter will explore current research on infant neurobehavioral functioning and its connection to long-term developmental outcomes, providing a comprehensive review of various neurobehavioral assessments that can be used in clinical practice. This insight is vital for developing effective strategies and services for ongoing surveillance and treatment to support positive developmental trajectories of preterm infants, specifically with neurobehavioral sequelae.