Research areas: Developmental pathways leading to developmental psychopathology, social and emotional development, biological at risk children (very preterm children), school and sibling bullying, infant regulatory problems (crying, feeding, sleeping) and parenting.

Bavarian Longitudinal Study (BLS) Project Website

Impaired structural connectivity between dorsal attention network and pulvinar mediates the impact of premature birth on adult visual–spatial abilities

Abstract

The dorsal attention network (DAN), including frontal eye fields and posterior parietal cortices, and its link with the posterior thalamus, contribute to visual–spatial abilities. Very premature birth impairs both visual–spatial abilities and cortico‐thalamic structural connectivity.

Commentary: Is Social Inequality in Cognitive Outcomes Increased by Preterm Birth–Related Complications?

The study by Benavente-Fernández et al1 investigated the association of maternal education as a marker of socioeconomic status (SES) and complications related to very preterm birth, such as chronic lung disease (CLD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and reduced white matter volume (WMV), with cognitive development in preschool-aged children.