The Continuum of Environmental Effects on Preterm Speech and Language Development and Outcomes.

Objective: Examine the trajectories of speech and language delay and proficiency, risk factors contributing to outcomes, and efficacy of interventions for preterm infants from infancy to adulthood.

Method: Review the literature on speech and language outcomes of preterm infants from infancy to adulthood.

Results: Speech and language delays continue to be a common challenge among preterm-born infants, with important biological and socioenvironmental factors contributing to long-term language impairment as well as recovery. The variable preterm infant language experience in-utero, in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and in the home environment plays an important role in outcomes. Evidence suggests a lasting impact of prematurity on language outcomes in early childhood through adulthood.

Conclusion: There is a need for clinician recognition and implementation of interventions that promote positive language input in the NICU and the home, combined with parent, professional, and community-based partnerships to nurture and facilitate a language-rich environment.