What to Expect from My Preemie as He Gets Older

Hi J., I hope I can help you ease your fears of the future. I was born 13 weeks early, Now I am a healthy 28 year old women who has a healthy 1 year old son. I don't think being born prematurely has anything to do with not doing well at school. I was always on honor roll student, I graduated high school in 2 years, and I graduated college in exactly 4. I was sick as a child more so than most kids, I had would strep, and colds constantly, I did end up in the hopsital a few times as a toddler, but I grew out of that the older I got. I played sports since middle school, I was in dance, played musical instruments. I did everything other children could do!

well i cant tell you what to expect as they get older but im in the same boat my 5 yr old was born at 25 weeks and i have alot of problems with her and same as you no one can help me either shes in half special ed and half kindergarten she walks stiff legged and acts like a robot most of the time i wonder if she is autistic or has cp as well and no one can tell me so maybe we can help eachother as we each learn something new

You should ask your pediatrician was his adjusted developmental age is. This will give you an idea of what to expect as he gets older. Also, it sounds to me that he is doing great so far, but don't be surprised if it starts to plateau after a while. It may be helpful to look into some support groups too. Other parents in similiar situations can be a great parenting resource, as you know. :) Keep up the good work and don't lose hope!

Take care. A.

J.,

I don't know what you can expect...but I do know the public schools offer special programs and help. My cousin teaches learning challenged children. They are not special ed-- but children who have trouble in certain areas, or are behind their classmates. I believe most of them are in "regular" classes most of the day and come to her for an hour or more for special attention and help. If I were you, I would give him extra attention, encourage him and maybe find something outside of school that he enjoys and can excel at so he can feel proud of something (sports, music, art, etc). You may also want to look into tutoring programs to give him so extra help (the tutors should also be able to focus you on what you can do to help him develop).

Sounds like he is a great kid... good luck!

Hello!

I'm an occupational therapist at Children's Hospital, and I have to say that it sounds like he's doing pretty darn well, considering how early he was born!!! I would ask your pediatrician for a referral for Occupational and/or physical therapy services - you may even be able to get services in the school system that he's in (if he's in a preschool program). If there's one thing that I've learned in this job, it's that every child is different - I've seen kids with a bad prognosis go on to live completely normal lives, and unfortunately I've seen the opposite, too. I think that the most important thing is that you treat him like a normal child - there's no reason to decide now that he's not going to do well in school or any other aspect of life! Good luck with everything, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!!

R.:)