Hidden signs of attention and social skills challenges in very preterm kids
Official title: A Hidden Phenotype: Understanding Subclinical Deficits in Attention, Executive Function, and Social Communication in Children Born Very Preterm
Funded at Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island · NIH-11294873 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study following 240 children born very preterm to see if subtle attention, planning, and social communication differences appear by ages 3–5 and how they relate to school success.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $875,534 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD117782-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11294873 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children born very preterm (before 32 weeks gestation) who are around ages 3–5 and are part of the Neonatal Follow-Up program.
✕Less likely to help
Children without a history of very preterm birth or outside the 3–5 year age range may not benefit from these specific assessments.
What this research studies
This project tracks children born very preterm from age 3 to 5, using existing NICU and follow-up records plus new assessments to measure attention, executive function, and social communication. Researchers will collect data on early life medical history and current developmental skills to identify a quiet or “hidden” phenotype that isn’t captured by standard diagnoses. By linking these subclinical traits to academic outcomes, the study aims to understand how these subtle differences influence learning and daily life. The goal is to improve early identification and support for kids who may not meet traditional ADHD or ASD criteria but still need help.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help clinicians and families recognize and support hidden attention and social-communication challenges earlier.
How similar studies have gone: Pilot data suggest that over 30% of very preterm children show subtle deficits that affect school performance similarly to more severe cases.
Where this research is happening
-
Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Camerota, Marie — Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Camerota, Marie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.