CLINICAL NOSOLOGY IN SPEECH THERAPY PRACTICE IN CHILDREN BORN AFTER ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNIQUES

Purpose: Children conceived through Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) represent a growing population with distinct clinical nosology, marked by increased risks of neurological disorders, congenital anomalies, and neurodevelopmental challenges. This study analyzes health outcomes in ART-conceived children, comparing them with naturally conceived (NC) children, and identifies age- and gender-specific trends in diagnoses. Methodology: A retrospective review of anamnestic data from a sample of 100 ART-conceived children with developmental disorders exploring the correlation between ART and the developmental and neurological outcomes. The analysis focused on exploring the prevalence of specific neurodevelopmental and other diagnostic categories and comparing these outcomes with children conceived naturally (NC). Results: Key findings from the statistical analysis revealed the higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in ART-conceived children (20%) compared to NC (15%) and similar trends in respiratory and metabolic/cardiovascular disorders, with slight variations across groups. Findings align with existing literature, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary approaches in speech therapy to address complex clinical needs. This could stem from neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities possibly linked to ART procedures or underlying genetic susceptibilities. Conclusions: The findings suggest that while ART does not significantly impact neuromotor and cognitive development, potential risks related to genetic, environmental, and procedural factors exist. A greater parental concern was concluded regarding psychological well-being in ART-conceived children. Recommendations: The review highlights the importance of increased monitoring of neurodevelopmental milestones in ART-conceived children is needed and an interdisciplinary approaches to speech therapy and developmental assessments as well. Further research into genetic and procedural factors influencing outcomes is crucial to mitigate the potential adverse effects of ART on language and speech development, ensuring that children conceived through these technologies achieve optimal developmental trajectories.