PURPOSE: to describe and compare the process of object permanence construction in very low birth weight preterm and full-term typical developing infants. METHODS: eight very low birth weight infants (experimental group - EG) and 14 full-term infants (control group - CG) were monthly evaluated as for language and cognition abilities, including the assessment of the object permanence notion. All sessions were recorded in video and transcribed in specific protocols. Children of both groups were evaluated from 6 to 12 months of age, considering the corrected gestational age for the EG. Quantitative and qualitative analysis were carried out. RESULTS: we found statistically significant differences between EG and CG concerning all the stages of object permanence development, evidencing cognitive delays (about 2 or 3 months delay) for the EG, when compared with the CG, during the sensorimotor period. CONCLUSIONS: the findings of this study corroborate with the idea that very low birth weight infants are considered at risk for language and cognition deficits or impairments, justifying the elaboration of early intervention programs during the first year of life.
Child Development; Cognition; Premature; Infant
