Neurodevelopmental Trajectories at 3 Years: Insights From the NASCITA Italian Birth Cohort

Aim: Early childhood development is critically influenced by exposure to stressful life events. Identifying children with warning signs (WS) for developmental disorders early is essential for timely intervention. Methods: Family pediatricians evaluated the neurodevelopment of 148 children from the NASCITA cohort using the CDC′s Learn the Signs, Act Early Milestones checklist, whereas parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluated associations between WS and maternal characteristics, data concerning pregnancy, delivery and the newborns′ health, sleep disturbances and life habits. Results: A total of 14% of children showed WS for developmental disorders at 36 months, a lower percentage than at 24 months (15.8%): for two out of three children, WS disappeared between 24 and 36 months. Persistent WS were noted in 5% of children. Key risk factors identified include older maternal age at delivery (OR 8.93, 95% CI: 1.87–42.62) and maternal unemployment (OR 4.75, 95%CI: 1.40–16.09). Reading aloud emerged as a protective practice, emphasizing its potential in early interventions. Conclusions: These results highlight the need for continuous monitoring of WS and the importance of positive parental practices in mitigating developmental risks. Early identification by primary care practitioners is crucial in addressing developmental concerns early and improving long-term outcomes.