Characterizing Social Communication Difficulties in Young Children within a Longitudinal Ecological Systems Framework.

ABSTRACT: Social communication difficulties are a transdiagnostic risk factor for psychopathology. However, few studies have examined prospective risk for social communication difficulties in young children within an ecological systems framework. Our sample was 251 parent-child dyads assessed during pregnancy, postpartum, and toddlerhood (child ages 1 and 2). We leveraged observer ratings of child behavior, parent-reported questionnaires, and geocoded data. We examined prospective risk factors for social communication difficulties at ages 1 and 2, including at the level of the child (gestational age), family (household income, maternal mental health, maternal-child bonding), and neighborhood (neighborhood resources). Fewer neighborhood resources were associated with more social communication difficu

SUBMITTER: Perlstein SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12031844 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature