Sensorimotor Management of the High-Risk Neonate

This article is focused on the development of treatment strategies for high-risk infants who exhibit motor dysfunction or are at risk for developing motor problems. The need for the development of models for treatment is stressed and Critical Period, Compensation, Full-Term Environment, and Ecological models are described. Assumptions regarding treatment and specific procedures are discussed in light of a particular model. Neonatal intervention literature is reviewed with focus on examples of clinical research on models for treatment with high-risk infants. The need for research-based intervention is emphasized.