The impact of spina bifida on development across the first 3 years.

Early cognitive, motor, and language skills were evaluated in 165 children, 91 with Spina Bifida (SB) and 74 developing typically. Assessments were given at 5 time points (6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months of age). Three latent growth curve models were conducted to evaluate the development of these early skills, with social economic status and etiology as predictors of growth. Lesion level and shunting effects were included for group comparison. Children with SB exhibited lower levels of functioning in all areas, with slower rates of growth in cognition and language, but more acceleration in growth of motor skills. The impact of lesion level and shunting significantly related to growth in cognition and motor skills but not in language.