– “Preemies” are at risk of language delay. According to a new study, exposing preterm babies to more adult language can improve their language skills at 18 months. Dr. Betty Vohr, a professor of pediatrics at the Alpert Medical School at Brown University in Providence, R.I, compares the brain to a computer that can be enhanced through stimulation.  “Parents have the power to make a difference in their child’s development and academic success”, she said.

– The scientists who conducted the study found that an increase of 100 adult words per hour an infant heard at 32 weeks brings a 2-point increase in later language scores. “Talking and interaction helps with vocabulary development,” said professor Vohr. “Parents can make such a difference. Early language predicts language skills later on.”.

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