Attention Deficits in Children with 750 gm Birth Weight

Although attention deficit disorders are frequently diagnosed in low birth-weight children, it is not clear if attention problems are apparent in neuropsychological testing. The present study examined the performances of a regional sample of 68 children with birth weights <750 gm on several psychometric measures of attention given at early school age. Matched groups of 65 children with birth weights between 750–1499 gm and 61 term controls were also assessed. The group <750 gm performed more poorly on one attention test than did either comparison group, even when overall cognitive ability was taken into account. Performances on the attention tests were also related to academic skills and ratings of behavior. Findings confirm the hypothesis that children with birth weights <750 gm have specific attentional weaknesses and support the validity of attention tests as predictors of learning and behavior problems.