Impact of intervention 2010

Society gets increasingly complex. Changes involve altered ways of communication and informationexchange, changes in food consumption and in the age at which women get their first child. Postponement of motherhood is associated with an increase in fertility problems and the application of assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization. ART in turn is associated with an increased risk for preterm birth and low birthweight. Preterm birth and low birthweight are well known risk factors for developmental disorders, such as cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Central questions at the Impact of Intervention Meeting are Does stress in early life affect the developing human nervous system? What about the effects of nutrition and in vitro fertilization on developmental outcome? What are the consequences of preterm birth on the developing brain, i.e. what are the sequelae in terms of type of brain lesion and in terms of functional outcome? Which lesions or functional deviations are amenable for early intervention and what should early intervention look like? What is the role of families in intervention and what is the position of professionals?
The congress will be a meeting place of scientists involved in fundamental aspects of brain development and scientists and clinicians dealing with children with minor and major developmental disorders. Ample time will be devoted to general discussions. Participants are encouraged to bring posters with their latest results.