School Performance of Children With Birth Weights of 1,000 g or Less

Twenty-five of the 45 long-term survivors with birth weights of 1,000 g or less who were cared for in the University of Washington, Seattle, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from 1960 to 1972 were examined at a mean age of 10.6 years. Seven of the 25 children (28%) had one or more major neurologic or sensory handicaps. Sixteen (64%) have been or presently are in a special education program. Only seven children (28%) are currently rated by their teachers to be achieving at or above grade level. Arithmetic reasoning, mathematics achievement, and reading comprehension were specific weaknesses. Fine and gross motor skills were impaired. Perceptual skills were impaired to a lesser degree.