Socio‐emotional development trajectories in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy: A longitudinal cohort study

Abstract Aim To examine trajectories of socio‐emotional difficulties and identify early predictors in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy (CP) compared with typically developing peers. Method This prospective, longitudinal study included Danish infants with high risk of CP, their parents, and a comparison group of typically developing peers. Socio‐emotional development was assessed using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social‐Emotional, Second Edition (ASQ:SE‐2) at 15 weeks, 9 months, and 15 months corrected age. Communicative development (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition), motor development (Alberta Infant Motor Scale), and parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index‐Short Form) were measured at 15 weeks. Group differences and changes over time in socio‐emotional development were examined using generalized estimating equations. Results Infants at high risk of CP had significantly higher ASQ:SE‐2 scores than typically developing infants, with 38% to 47% scoring above the cut‐off for difficulties compared with 0% to 22% in the low‐risk group. Both groups showed a peak in difficulties at 9 months. Parenting stress, but not early motor or language development, predicted socio‐emotional outcomes. Interpretation Findings highlight the impact of early parenting stress on infant socio‐emotional development in the context of a high‐risk CP diagnosis. Routine screening and early support for parent‐infant relationships are crucial considerations in early intervention. These integrative efforts may help reduce later mental health risks in children with CP. Replication in larger, more diverse samples is needed.