Evaluation of the human newborn infant

Abstract

A general overview of instruments for the evaluation of the human newborn is presented, with an emphasis on newborns with perinatal risk factors, notably preterm infants. The newborn infant represents a composite of its past fetal development, present characteristics, and potential for future development. Different types of assessments, that is, neurobehavioral, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological and their strengths and limitations, are described. In addition, the ability of these assessments to evaluate previous development, current functioning, and predict future outcome is discussed. Researchers planning new projects or studies aimed at newborns are provided in this chapter with some basic guidelines to allow them to choose their assessment instruments.