Early childhood is a critical period for establishing lifelong health and developmental potential, with the ages 0 - 3 representing a particularly vital window. China's maternal and child health (MCH) system, with its extensive coverage,well-established technical training, service delivery, and supervisory management, provides a crucial platform for promoting early childhood development (ECD) practices. However, community-based services continue to face challenges, including resource disparities, inconsistent standards, and a lack of support for specialized nurturing care. Supported by the "Rural Revitalization——Primary ECD Project" (jointly implemented by the National Health Commission, the State Council Working Committee on Women and Children, and the National Administration for Rural Revitalization) and funded by UNICEF, National Children's Medical Center at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine developed and implemented a community-based ECD service and monitoring system deeply integrated with artificial intelligence (AI). This work was based on a multicenter, cluster randomized study conducted across three pilot counties in Zhejiang, Henan, and Guizhou provinces. Utilizing a distributed microservices architecture, the system integrates four core functional modules: standardized clinical consultation, digital nurturing care groups, multidimensional assessment, and intelligent supervision. Furthermore, it innovatively incorporates advanced AI applications, including a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)-based intelligent consultation assistant, multimodal developmental risk prediction models, and automated parent-child interaction analysis. During the pilot period, the system facilitated over 15 000 pediatric consultations and nearly 4 200 nurturing care sessions. These results demonstrate that this AI-empowered network effectively enhances the coverage, standardization, and precision of interventions in community-based services, while also improving user satisfaction, thereby providing a scalable digital solution for primary care implementation and national child health promotion.

Specific learning disorder (SLD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in school-aged children. However, conventional diagnostic workflows are frequently constrained by prolonged assessment cycles, high costs, and inherent subjectivity. Artificial intelligence (AI) has provided novel paradigms for the early identification, precision diagnosis, and personalized intervention of SLD. This review outlines the main applications of AI in the diagnosis and treatment of SLD. Regarding assisted assessment, the integration of eye-tracking technology facilitates dyslexia screening with enhanced ecological validity, while computerized handwriting analysis quantifies both static orthographic features and dynamic kinematic processes. Furthermore, acoustic analysis of speech patterns enables the objective evaluation of reading fluency, and advanced neuroimaging techniques can elucidate the underlying neurobiological characteristics of SLD. In terms of intervention, adaptive intelligent tutoring systems provide personalized intervention, and large language models offer promising auxiliary tools for social adaptation. Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist, including limited dataset scales, insufficient algorithmic interpretability, ethical concerns regarding data privacy, and inadequate clinical validation. Future efforts should prioritize the construction of large-scale, multi-center Chinese-specific datasets, the development of cost-effective screening tools, and the establishment of robust evidence-based evaluation and regulatory frameworks to promote AI as the core driving force for the transformation of the SLD diagnosis and treatment system.

Objective To investigate the synergistic effects of whole-body vibration training combined with MOTOmed virtual scenario training on lower limb function and gait balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP), so as to provide an evidence-based reference for the rehabilitation treatment of children with SCP. Methods A total of 72 children diagnosed with SCP were recruited from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University between December 2023 and December 2024. Participants were randomly assigned into a control group and an observation group using a random number table, with 36 cases in each group. Both groups received conventional rehabilitation training. The control group additionally received MOTOmed-assisted virtual scenario training, while the observation group received MOTOmed-assisted virtual scenario training combined with whole-body vibration training. The intervention lasted for 12 weeks.After 12 weeks of intervention, indicators including lower limb gastrocnemius muscle tone, root mean square (RMS) values of the gastrocnemius during passive ankle dorsiflexion and active ankle plantarflexion, Gross Motor Function Measure 88(GMFM-88) scores for dimension D (standing) and dimension E (walking, running, and jumping), center of pressure (CoP) sway area, 10-meter walk test (10mWT) time, and plantar pressure deviation were compared between the two groups to evaluate the efficacy of the combined intervention on improving lower limb function and gait balance. Results Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in any outcome between the two groups (P>0.05). After the intervention, the gastrocnemius muscle tone score of the lower limbs was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (Z=-2.861,P＜0.05). Furthermore, the observation group demonstrated significantly lower RMS values for passive ankle dorsiflexion (t=-2.395) and active ankle plantarflexion (t=-2.058), center of gravity sway area (t=-2.029), 10mWT time (t=-2.538), and plantar pressure deviation (t=-2.094) compared to the control group (P<0.05). Functional assessment indicated a significantly higher GMFM dimension D(t=2.052) and E(t=2.059) score in the observation group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Whole-body vibration training combined with conventional rehabilitation and MOTOmed-assisted virtual scenario training may further reduce lower-limb muscle tone, improve walking/running/jumping function, and optimizes dynamic balance and gait stability in children with SCP.

Objective To investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based exercise games in children with spastic cerebral palsy, so as to provide evidence for optimizing rehabilitation interventions. Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted among 224 children with spastic cerebral palsy who received rehabilitation treatment at the Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture from March 2024 to January 2025. The participants were randomly assigned to observation group and control group using a random number table, with 112 children in each group. The control group received conventional rehabilitation therapy, while the observation group received additional VR-based exercise game training for 16 weeks. Gross motor function, balance, and spasticity of the gastrocnemius and adductor muscles were assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure 88 (GMFM-88), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), respectively, at 1 day before treatment, after 8 weeks of treatment, and after 16 weeks of treatment. Independent-samples t-test and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Result Before intervention, there were no significant differences on GMFM-88 scores, BBS scores, and MAS scores for both the gastrocnemius and adductor muscles between the observation group and control group (P＞0.05). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the main effects of time and group, as well as their interaction effects, were statistically significant for all four indicators (P<0.001). After 16 weeks of treatment, the observation group exhibited significantly higher GMFM-88 (51.60±14.27 vs. 44.37±13.69, t=3.869) and BBS scores (28.35±3.63 vs. 24.57±3.06, t=8.426) compared with the control group. Conversely, the MAS scores for the gastrocnemius (2.12±0.38 vs. 2.50±0.47, t=-6.654) and adductor muscles (2.07±0.35 vs. 2.58±0.52, t=-8.611) were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion VR-based exercise games may be a useful adjunct to conventional rehabilitation for improving motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Objective To analyze the application status, research hotspots, and evolving trends of AI in childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods English articles published from January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2026 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection.Excel, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace were used to analyze publication trends, collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence, and keyword bursts.Multi-label content coding was performed based on titles, abstracts, and keywords. Results A total of 1 776 articles were included.The annual number of publications increased overall, with marked growth after 2018 and a peak in 2025 (n=297).The United States (n=480) and China (n=451) were the leading contributors.Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified three major clusters: autism spectrum disorder(ASD) early screening, social behavior recognition, and intelligent intervention; attention-deficit/hyperactivity(ADHD)-related brain function assessment and deep learning; and learning/language disorder recognition and feature extraction.Keyword burst analysis identified deep learning, heterogeneity, natural language processing, severity assessment, working memory, and graph neural networks as recent hotspots.Content coding showed that studies mainly focused onASD (1 228, 69.14%) andADHD(430, 24.21%).Disease identification and assisted diagnosis (1 374, 77.36%) was the most common application.Data sources included neuroimaging, electroencephalogram, visual behavior, speech and language, eye tracking, movement trajectories, behavioral scales, and robot/virtual reality interaction.Traditional machine learning (1 148, 64.64%) and deep learning/neural network-based methods (670, 37.73%) were the predominant methods. Conclusions Research on AI in childhood neurodevelopmental disorders has continued to increase.Current studies mainly focus on diseaseidentification and assisted diagnosis, and have gradually extended to early screening, multimodal assessment, intelligent intervention, heterogeneity identification, and recognition of learning/language disorders. Further studies should strengthen multicenter research and validation, so as to provide evidence for early identification, assessment, and intervention of childhoodneurodevelopmental disorders.

Objective To investigate the effects of specific knockout of the Mecp2 gene in dentate gyrus (DG) neurons on adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behaviors in mice, so as to provide potential therapeutic directions for ASD caused by genetic abnormalities. Methods Mecp2-flox mice were randomly divided into four groups: Mecp2^f/y, Mecp2^f/y-Con, wild-type (WT), and WT-Con groups,with 6 mice in each group. Western Blot was used to determine the protein expression levels of MeCP2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).ASD-like behaviors were evaluated using the three-chamber sociability test, novel object recognition (NOR) test, Y-maze, Morris water maze (MWM), open field test, marble burying test, and self-grooming test. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to assess hippocampal neurogenesis. Results Compared withMecp2^f/y-Con group and WT group, Mecp2^f/y mice exhibited significantly decreased sociability and social novelty indices (P<0.05), impaired cognitive performance indicated by a reduced recognition index in the NOR test (P<0.001), decreased duration and entries into the novel arm of the Y-maze (P<0.05),shortened target quatrant dwell time (P<0.05) and fewer platform crossings in the Morris water maze (P<0.05), reduced center dwell time in the open field test (P<0.05), and increased marble burying count, as well as elevated frequency and duration of self-grooming (P<0.05). Furthermore, significant reductions were observed in the number of Nestin⁺,Nestin⁺MCM2⁺,Tbr2⁺,Tbr2⁺MCM2⁺,DCX⁺,DCX⁺MCM2⁺ and BrdU⁺NeuN⁺ cells (P<0.05), while the number of BrdU⁺DCX⁺ immature neurons was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression level of BDNF was significantly decreased in Mecp2^f/y mice(P<0.05). Conclusion The specific knockout of the Mecp2 gene in mouse DG neurons disrupts AHN, and consequently induces ASD-like behaviors, which provide experimental evidence for the neurobiological mechanisms underlying ASD.

Objective To investigate the early predictive value of cord blood S100β protein and lactate combined with the modified Kidokoro magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) score (the modified Kidokoro score) for neurodevelopmental disorders at 6 months of corrected age in moderate and late preterm infants. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 127 moderate-to-late preterm infants admitted to Jinjiang Municipal Hospital between January 2024 and January 2025. Using the Neuropsychological Developmental Scale for Children Aged 0 - 6 Years, infants were assessed at corrected age of 6 months and categorized into neurodevelopmental disorder group (n=16) and normal neurodevelopment group (n=111). Clinical data, cord blood S100β protein and lactate levels of the preterm infants were collected. Cranial MRI was performed 7 - 14 days after birth, and brain abnormalities were quantitatively evaluated using the modified Kidokoro scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive performance of individual and combined biomarker testing for brain injury in mid-to-late term preterm infants. Results The levels of umbilical cord blood S100β protein (t=2.732) and lactate (t=2.576), as well as the modified Kidokoro scores (t=7.531), were significantly higher in the neurodevelopmental disorder group than in the normal group (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve (AUC) of cord blood S100β protein, lactate and the modified Kidokoro score alone for predicting neurodevelopmental disorders were 0.719 (95%CI: 0.569 - 0.870), 0.686 (95%CI: 0.547 - 0.825) and 0.918 (95%CI: 0.830 - 1.000), respectively. Among the machine learning algorithms, the artificial neural network (ANN) model, combining gestational age, lactate, S100β and the modified Kidokoro score, demonstrated the optimal predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.937, accuracy of 0.962, sensitivity of 0.850, and specificity of 0.982. Conclusion The combination of umbilical cord blood S100β protein, lactate, and the modified Kidokoro score effectively improves the early prediction of neurodevelopmental disorders in moderate-to-late preterm infants, which may provide reliable laboratory and imaging basis for early clinical intervention.

Objective To revise and update selected item contents of the Children Neuropsychological and Behavioral Scale-Revision 2016 (CNBS-R2016),and to clarify practical concerns regarding its use,so as to provide scientific reference for scale refinement and clinical application. Methods From October to December 2024, a modified Delphi method was used to conduct three rounds of expert consultation. By establishing an expert panel, designing questionnaires, carrying out multiple rounds of consultation, and performing statistical analyses, the rationality of scale items and issues related to scale application were evaluated. Results The expert response rates in the three rounds were 94.74%, 95.12%, and 100.00%, and the authority coefficients were 0.81, 0.83, and 0.84, respectively. In the second round, Kendall's coefficient of concordance was 0.701 (P<0.01), indicating good agreement among experts. After three rounds of consultation and revision, the coefficients of variation for the relevant items were all below 25%, meeting the passing standard. Greater agreement was reached on the use of mixed black-and-red buttons in the button-threading task (approval rate: 81.82%; coefficient of variation: 15.91%). In the 24-picture identification task, experts suggested replacing the inkstone and forceps with pictures more familiar to children, preferably a spoon and a fork (approval rate: 82.05%). Conclusion The consultation items designed for the CNBS-R2016 are scientifically sound and reasonable, and experts highly recognize its application value, which may provide a reference for further refinement of the scale.

Objective To explore the developmental characteristics of sensory processing in children aged 3 to 5 years, and to analyze its association with balance ability, in order to provide a scientific reference for the early identification of related developmental issues. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 133 children aged 3 - 5 years who underwent routine health examinations at Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital from August 2023 to April 2025. Sensory processing was assessed using the Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation Checklist, and dynamic and static balance ability was evaluated using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition. One-way analysis of variance and chi-square test were used to compare sensory processing scores and abnormal rates across age groups,and multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between sensory processing characteristics and the risk of abnormal balance ability. Results Significant differences across age groups were observed in the tactile domain and the over-responsivity to sensory stimuli dimension (F=3.886, 4.793, P＜0.05). Regarding abnormal rates of sensory processing, only the vestibular-balance domain showed a statistically significant difference among different age groups (χ²_trend=4.638, P=0.031), while no significant differences were observed in the other domains or in the overall abnormal rate of sensory processing (P>0.05). After adjustment for sex, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that scores on the hypo-reactivity to sensory stimuli dimension were negatively associated with risk of abnormal balance ability in the 3-year-old group (OR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.70 - 0.92, P=0.002), scores on the sensory seeking dimension were also associated with the risk of abnormal balance ability (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.01 - 1.16, P=0.031). In the 4- to 5-year-old group, no significant associations were found between sensory modulation factors and the risk of abnormal balance ability (P>0.05). Conclusions Specific dimensions of sensory processing exhibit age-related differences in children aged 3 to 5 years. Sensory response patterns may be associated with the risk of abnormal balance ability in 3-year-old children, suggesting that early screening should focus on sensory hypo-reactivity and sensory seeking behaviors to facilitate the early identification of balance impairments in preschool children.

Objective To analyze the learning ability levels and its associated factors among children aged 3 - 6 years in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide a scientific basis for early identification and intervention of children with impaired learning ability. Methods A multistage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to recruit preschool children from 24 kindergartens in 6 cities of Jiangsu Province between November 2021 and April 2022. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire and the Preschool Children Learning Ability Scale.A higher total score indicated a higher risk of impaired learning ability. Multivariate linear regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with learning ability. Results A total of 3 701 children were included, comprising 1 945 boys (52.55%) and 1 756 girls (47.45%). Univariate analysis showed that scores for learning ability differed significantly by sex (t=4.408), age (F=32.059), ability to understand (t=5.439) or speak (t=5.379) two or more languages, participation in extracurricular classes (arts, t=7.004; languages, t=5.789; puzzles, t=3.059; sports, t=3.662), paternal education level (F=11.147), maternal education level (F=10.477), and average monthly household income (F=14.242) (P<0.01).Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that being female (β=-0.072), increasing age (4 to <5 years: β=-0.130; 5 to <6 years: β=-0.189; 6 to <7 years: β=-0.173), the ability to understand (β=-0.049) or speak (β=-0.057) two or more languages, maternal education at the bachelor's (β=-0.118) or master's degree level and above (β=-0.055), and higher average monthly household income in RMB(5 000 to <10 000:β=-0.107; 10 000 to <30 000: β=-0.177; ≥30 000: β=-0.155) were negatively associated with learning ability scores (P<0.05), indicating a lower risk of learning impairments. Conclusions The learning abilities of preschool children are jointly influenced by gender, age, multilingual exposure, and family socioeconomic status. Targeted monitoring and support should be provided for boys and younger children. Furthermore, families should be encouraged to create rich linguistic environments, and early education guidance and resource support should be strengthened for families with lower socioeconomic status to promote comprehensive early childhood development.

Objective To explore the effect of home nurturing environment on early language and mathematical abilities in preschool children, so as to provide a scientific basis for promoting the development of these abilities in early childhood. Methods A cross-sectional cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 47 541 kindergarten children aged 3 to 6 years from 12 districts and counties in Changzhi City between March and May 2024. The Chinese Early Human Capability Index (CheHCI) was utilized to assess language and mathematics abilities, supplemented by the 3 - 6 Years Child Home Nurture Environment Scale and a general demographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Results The overall score of early language and mathematical abilities was 0.739±0.197 among children aged 3 - 6 years. The scores for children aged 3 -<4, 4 -<5, and 5 -<6 years were 0.573±0.197, 0.717±0.177, and 0.847±0.144, respectively. Home nurturing environment dimensions of language/cognitive stimulation (r=0.152), emotional warmth/self-expression (r=0.091), social adaptation/self-management (r=0.128), activity diversity/game participation (r=0.119), and environmental atmosphere (r=0.107) were positively correlated with early language and mathematical abilities (P<0.01), whereas neglect/interference/punishment was negatively correlated with these abilities (r=-0.021, P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that older age (4 - <5 years:β=0.353, 5 - <6 years: β=0.676), females (β=0.042), full-term birth (β=0.013), absence of neonatal hospitalization (β=0.011), absence of maternal high-risk factors during pregnancy (β=0.020), no screen exposure (β=0.036), higher parental educational level (mother's education: college degree or above: β=0.033, father's education: college degree or above: β=0.019), and monthly household income ≥10 000 yuan (β=0.020) were associated with higher language and mathematical scores (P<0.05). In addition, language/cognitive stimulation (β=0.167) and social adaptation/self-management (β=0.043) in the home nurturing environment were positively associated with children's language and mathematical abilities, whereas neglect/interference/punishment (β=-0.014) was negatively associated with these abilities (P<0.05). Conclusions Home nurturing environment is closely associated with early language and mathematical development in preschool children. Better language and cognitive stimulation, stronger support for social adaptation, and fewer neglectful or punitive parenting behaviors may contribute to improved language and mathematical abilities. Optimizing the home nurturing environment and reducing screen exposure may help support early childhood development.

Objective To construct a mandarin dictation ability assessment tool for fifth- and sixth-grade students using the Rasch model, and to enhance the screening accuracy for children with developmental dyslexia and dysgraphia through psychometric optimization. Methods A preliminary item bank of 180 Chinese characters was constructed from the lower grade character database of the Ministry of Education's Chinese textbooks.In November 2023, the test was administrated to 595 students in Nantong, Jiangsu Province.Rasch model analysis was used for item selection and model optimization. Results A total of 163 well-fitting items were retained after the screening process.The final word list demonstrated excellent reliability (item reliability=0.975, person reliability=0.956) and high separation indices (item separation=6.32, person separation=4.66).The assumptions of unidimensionality (ratio of the first to second component eigenvalues=9.545; percentage of significant differences in Smith's t-test=5.88%) and local independence (MADaQ3=0.042) were robustly supported.The Wright Map indicated good alignment between item difficulty and person ability distribution.The test information function peaked in the low-ability range (θ≈-2, information value > 25), suggesting superior screening efficacy for children with dyslexia and dysgraphia.The word list showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.975) and high inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.998).ROC analysis indicated high discriminative performance for identifying children at risk of writing difficulties in this sample (AUC>0.99).Using a standard score of 37 as the cutoff, the sensitivity and specificity of this test were 100% and 98.8%, respectively. Conclusions The Mandarin Dictation Test Word List for Upper-grade Primary School Students demonstrates good performance in terms of reliability, validity, and screening sensitivity.It provides an objective framework for early identification of dyslexia and dysgraphia, and lays the foundation for computerized adaptive testing.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated care model for infants and toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in childcare institutions in Wenzhou, and to explore the integrated care model guided by medical-childcare integration, so as to provide reference for early intervention of ASD children. Methods A retrospective single-group pretest-posttest study was conducted. Twelve infants and toddlers with ASD who received integrated care services at Wenzhou Mibao Childcare Center were enrolled in this study from November 2021 to December 2025. An integrated service system encompassing screening, assessment, intervention, and follow-up was established. This system integrated professional rehabilitation training into daily nursery care routines through four pathways: medical-rehabilitation-childcare linkage, a dynamic assessment-intervention cycle, integration of intervention into daily childcare routines, and collaborative home-childcare-medical support. All participants received integrated care for at least 6 months.The Chinese (Hong Kong) Version of Psychoeducational Profile-Third Edition (CPEP-3) was used for assessment within 1 month after enrollment and every 3 months thereafter. Paired t tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for comparative analyses. Results After integrated care, most CPEP-3 domain scores increased compared with baseline. Statistically significant differences were observed in 14 domains (P<0.05) , such as communication, motor function, social interaction, cognition, and language-related domains, whereas no significant differences were observed in personal self-care or adaptive behavior(P>0.05). Conclusions Guided by the medical-childcare integration model, the integrated care model in childcare institutions significantly enhances communication, social interaction, cognition, language, and motor development in infants and toddlers with ASD. This model offers a practical and potentially scalable framework for implementing comprehensive early intervention in childcare settings.

Objective To retrieve, appraise, and synthesize the best available evidence on the prevention and management of positional plagiocephaly (PP) in infancy, so as to provide evidence-based references for clinical practice. Methods Evidence related to the prevention and management of PP in infancy was systematically searched in domestic and international evidence-based databases and relevant professional association websites, with the search conducted up to August 2024. Four trained researchers performed methodological quality appraisal, evidence extraction, and evidence synthesis. Results A total of 16 publications were included, comprising 2 clinical decision support resources, 3 guidelines, 2 evidence summaries, 7 systematic reviews, and 2 expert consensus statements. Thirty items of best evidence were extracted and summarized into 9 domains: multidisciplinary team (1 item), risk factor identification (1 item), assessment and diagnosis (7 item), pillow usage (1 items), positioning management (8 items), physical intervention (5 items), helmet therapy (2 items), surgical intervention (2 items), health education and follow-up(3 items). Current evidence suggests that early identification of risk factors, standardized assessment, appropriate positioning management and tummy time, combined physical therapy or helmet therapy when indicated, and strengthened family participation and follow-up may help prevent and manage PP in infancy. Conclusions This study summarizes the current best evidence on the prevention and management of PP in infancy and may provide a reference for clinical practice. When translating evidence into practice, healthcare professionals should implement individualized management according to infant characteristics, available medical resources, and specific clinical contexts to further optimize prevention and intervention outcomes.

Hemiplegia is a prevalent complication among children with brain injuries, mainly characterized by unilateral limb muscle weakness, altered muscle tone, and sensory disturbances. Impairments in the upper extremity are typically more pronounced than those in the lower extremity, significantly delaying upper limb neurodevelopment and the acquisition of fine motor skills.Upper limb exoskeleton robots are a new type of rehabilitation equipment that can quantitatively assess upper limb function in hemiplegic children and provide personalized training tasks. As a supplementary approach to traditional rehabilitation therapy,robotic exoskeletons demonstrate substantial potential in improving upper limb dysfunction and enhancing the overall quality of life in children with hemiplegia. This review summarizes the current landscape of upper extremity robotic exoskeletons in the functional rehabilitation and clinical evaluation of pediatric hemiplegia, analyzes the existing challenges in pediatric populations, aiming to provide strategic insights for future technological development and clinical application in this domain.

Extensive behavioral and cognitive assessments have indicated that offspring of diabetic mothers (ODMs) are at a higher risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, studies on brain structure and function in ODMs remain very limited. This article reviews the application of neuroimaging techniques, including ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography, and electroencephalography, to summarize alterations in brain structure and function in ODMs, with the aim of identifying early indicators of abnormal brain development and providing theoretical support for early child healthcare interventions.

Hypotonia is a common pediatric motor dysfunction, frequently observed in neurodevelopmental disorders. In recent years, the prevalence of hypotonia in infants and young children has been increasing and is often accompanied by delayed motor development and impairments in cognitive function. Current clinical assessments rely heavily on examiner experience and lack standardized quantitative tools, resulting in high subjectivity and poor repeatability. This article reviews the current applications and limitations of commonly used clinical rating scales and objective measurement techniques for assessing pediatric hypotonia. It summarizes evidence on their reliability, validity, and practical use in China, and proposes optimization strategies focusing on standardization, localization, and intelligent assessment, with the aim of informing early screening and intervention for hypotonia in Chinese children.

Social communication disorder is one of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with ability levels ranging from mild functional deficits to complete absence of verbal communication, and showing high heterogeneity in symptom manifestations. Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) theoretical framework, the Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication (ACSF: SC) provides a systematic grading standard for the social communication function of children with ASD. It quantitatively classifies social communication functions into five levels, replacing the vague labels of mild, moderate, and severe. In international clinical practice, the ACSF: SC has demonstrated robust reliability and validity, providing an essential basis for the development of individualized intervention programs and educational strategies. This article discusses the theoretical foundation, core dimensions, advantages, current application status, and limitations of the ACSF: SC, aiming to provide references and recommendations for the localization and practical implementation of the ACSF: SC in China.

Insufficient outdoor activity in early childhood has become a major global public health concern. Existing studies have shown that early outdoor activity is closely associated with children's neuropsychological development; however, systematic reviews in this area remain absent. This review systematically searched and analyzed relevant literature to summarize the main impacts of early outdoor activity on neuropsychological development in children. The findings indicate that early outdoor activity contributes positively to the development of motor skills, language acquisition, behavioral regulation, social competence, self-regulation, and mental health in children. In conclusion, this review will provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for promoting outdoor activity in early childhood.

Sleep disturbances in preschool children born prematurely significantly impact their neurodevelopment, cognitive function, and family quality of life.Compared with full-term infants, preterm infants are more likely to experience sleep disturbances during the preschool period, and these issues may persist into school age and even adulthood.This review systematically synthesizes current evidence regarding the classification, underlying pathogenic mechanisms of sleep disorders in this vulnerable population. Furthermore, we examine the long-term consequences of atypical sleep patterns on neurodevelopment and propose multidimensional, evidence-based intervention strategies, aiming to provide targeted clinical guidance for improving sleep quality in preschool-age preterm children.