clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01021384.

Objective To quantify racial differences in receipt of early intervention (EI) services among children ages birth to three. Methods We conducted multivariable analyses of a nationally representative sample of children eligible for EI services using data from the Early Child Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort. Birthweight <1000 grams, genetic and medical conditions associated with developmental delay, or low scores on a standardized measure of developmental performance defined EI eligibility. Receipt of EI services was ascertained from parent self-report. The effect of race on receipt of EI services was examined in main effect models and models stratified by EI qualifying condition, which was defined as either established medical condition or developmental delay in the absence of an underlying medical diagnosis. Results At 9 months of age, among the 1000 children eligible for EI services, 9% of children received services; there were no Black-white racial differences in receipt of services. At 24 months of age, among the 1000 children eligible for EI services, 12% received services; Black children were 5 times less likely to receive services than white children (aOR 0.19; 95% CI 0.09, 0.39). In models stratified by qualifying condition, Black children who qualified for services at 24 months based on developmental delay alone were less likely to receive services (aOR 0.09; 95% CI 0.02, 0.39); there were no differences by race among children who qualified based on established medical conditions (aOR 0.56; 95% CI 0.18, 1.72). Conclusions Racial disparities in EI service receipt, which were not present during infancy, emerged as children became toddlers. These disparities were found most consistently among children who qualified for services based on developmental delay alone.

We sought to assess the feasibility and document key study processes of a problem-solving intervention to prevent depression among low-income mothers of preterm infants. A randomized controlled pilot trial (n=50) of problem-solving education (PSE) was conducted. We assessed intervention provider training and fidelity; recruitment and retention of subjects; intervention acceptability; and investigators’ ability to conduct monthly outcome assessments, from which we could obtain empirical estimates of depression symptoms, stress, and functioning over 6 months. Four of four bachelor-level providers were able to deliver PSE appropriately with standardized subjects within 4 weeks of training. Of 12 randomly audited PSE sessions with actual subjects, all met treatment fidelity criteria. Nineteen of 25 PSE subjects (76%) received full four-session courses; no subjects reported negative experiences with PSE. Eighty-eight percent of scheduled follow-up assessments were completed. Forty-four percent of control group mothers experienced an episode of moderately severe depression symptoms over the follow-up period, compared to 24% of PSE mothers. Control mothers experienced an average 1.19 symptomatic episodes over the 6 months of follow-up, compared to 0.52 among PSE mothers. PSE appears feasible and may be a promising strategy to prevent depression among mothers of preterm infants.

FN may be a promising intervention to address barriers that impede timely ASD diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE-This study explored the relationship between food insecurity and compensatory maternal feeding practices that may be perceived as buffers against periodic food shortages among urban Black families. PATIENTS AND METHODS-We interviewed a convenience sample of Black mothers of children ages 2-13 years. Food security status (predictor) was assessed at the household level. Five maternal feeding practices (outcomes) were assessed. Two were based on Birch's Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ): restricting access to certain desired foods and pressuring a child to eat; and 3 were derived from investigators' clinical experience: the use of high calorie supplements, added sugar in beverages, and perceived appetite stimulants. Anthropometric data were collected from mothers and children.RESULTS-278 mother-child dyads were analyzed, and 28% of these mothers reported being food insecure. Use of CFQ feeding practices was defined as the top quartile of responses. Use of nutritional supplements, defined as "at least 1-2 times monthly", was common, ranging from 13%-25%. In logistic regression models adjusted for child age, BMI, and ethnicity and maternal BMI, mothers from food insecure households were significantly more likely to use high calorie supplements (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-4.0) and appetite stimulants (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.5-7.1). The odds of using the remaining compensatory feeding practices were elevated among food insecure households, but not reach statistical significance: adding sugars to beverages (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 0.99-4.4), pressuring a child to eat (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.98-3.2), and restricting access to certain foods (OR, 1.5; 95% CI 0.8-2.7). CONCLUSIONS-Household food insecurity was independently associated with two of the five maternal compensatory feeding practices studied. Such practices may alter the feeding environment and increase the risk of overweight in children. Longitudinal research is necessary to determine how the relationship between food security and compensatory maternal feeding practices impacts child weight trajectories.