The predictive validity of nonverbal communicative skills in infants with perinatal hazards

This study investigated the predictive validity to 5 years of age of nonverbal communicative skills administered at 13 months. Subjects (N = 103) were Norwegian infants with birthweight below 1501 gms. The predictors included infant competence assessed by the Early Social-Communication Scales (ESCS). Cognitive competence at 2 years was measured by the Bayley Mental Development Scale, and at 3 and 5 years by the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition (SB:FE). Language competence at 2 and 3 years was assessed by the Reynell Developmental Language Scales, and at 5 years by a verbal comprehension factor derived from the SB:FE. Partial correlations and multiple regression analyses suggest that the infants' initiation of communication was related to cognitive ability and language skills up to 5 years of age. In particular, joint attention was the most consistent predictor of the subsequent competencies. The Bayley cognitive index was overruled as a predictor when used in combination with initiation of joint attention.