Brain & Neurosensory Development Experiences in the NICU...Shaping Neurologic & Emotional Development

In a term pregnancy, the critical phases of brain, sensory and limbic system development are occurring in a protective environment. There is increasing evidence revealing sensory integration issues, anxiety, behavioral and executive function concerns into young adulthood due to extreme prematurity. A thorough understanding of when these systems develop is critical for us as healthcare teams as it can form the foundation for our care. In this presentation we will build our knowledge of the brain, sensory and limbic system development. With this knowledge we can better shape our actions and provide more meaningful experiences as the patients we care for are reliant upon each of us.

Objectives:

1. Discuss 2 implications of the fetus’s in-utero sensory experience
2. Explain the concepts of experience expectant & experience dependent development
3. Describe the importance of the critical period for the developing sensory system
4. Explain 1 purpose of each component of the Limbic system

Total CE 1.6

NCC Code NNP 2 or 7

NCC Code NIC 2 or 7

NCC Code LRN 2 or 7

Rx: 0

*This presentation was included in the Small Baby Care Specialist® Program

Last updated: October, 2021