This consensus aims to provide evidence-based, safe, and personalized practical guidelines for the nurturing care of infants and toddlers with special health needs (including those with growth deviations, mild psychological and behavioral developmental deviations, and chronic diseases in stable stages) in nursery institutions. Based on the six principles of "safety first, individualization, responsive care, integration of medical and nurturing care, developmental support, and respect for confidentiality", the consensus systematically proposes basic requirements regarding personnel qualifications, system construction, environmental facilities, and collaborative mechanisms. Furthermore, specific care objectives and recommendations are delineated for six common categories of infants and young children with special health needs: malnutrition/obesity, mild psychological and behavioral developmental deviations, food allergies, epilepsy, asthma, and preterm infants. Additionally, it emphasizes the establishment of a case management system, dynamic monitoring and early warning mechanisms, and a closed-loop referral process through the tripartite collaboration of families, nurseries, and medical institutions, ensuring continuity and high quality of care. The implementation of this consensus will provide a scientific basis for the standardization of nursery services and policy formulation, promoting the comprehensive early development of infants and toddlers with special health needs.

In response to the national strategic policy on promoting the development of infant and toddler care services, and to accelerate the establishment of a scientific, standardized, and practical medical-nurturing integrated care service system, the Infant and Toddler Nurturing and Care Professional Committee of the Chinese Maternal and Child Health Association has organized experts from multiple fields including medical care and nurturing care to formulate this consensus. The consensus clarifies the core connotation of the medical-nurturing integration, elaborates on the requirements in terms of personnel capabilities, service processes, content integration, and environmental creation, defines the specific responsibilities and collaborative paths of medical institutions in health protection, development promotion, risk management, and empowerment guidance, as well as those of childcare institutions in daily care, health observation, learning support, and home-toddler care integration. It also proposes differentiated implementation strategies for four scenarios: childcare, medical care, community, and family, as well as five service models including on-site, paired, centralized,one-stop and intelligent type services. Moreover, it presents an assessment system covering three dimensions: infant and toddler health and development, institutional care quality, and family satisfaction, providing guidance and reference for the implementation of medical-nurturing integrated infant and toddler care services.

Children with special needs, including those with developmental delay, developmental disorders, disabilities, or other health risks, are more vulnerable to various adverse factors during early development. Therefore, their nurturing care warrants greater attention and emphasis. As a fundamental basis for promoting early childhood development, nurturing care plays a crucial role in improving the developmental outcomes of infants and young children with special needs, strengthening family caregiving capacity, and facilitating their social inclusion. On the basis of clarifying the relevant concepts of children with special needs, this paper draws on the nurturing care framework to summarize the core principles of their nurturing care. Furthermore, it outlines a multidimensional support system for implementing this care, emphasizing the collaboration among families, childcare and early education institutions, healthcare facilities, and society. Ultimately, this review aims to enhance the awareness and competencies of relevant professionals, thereby driving the further optimization of the nurturing care system for infants and toddlers with special needs.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an onset in early childhood. Early implementation of naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBI) and enhanced social stimulation can reshape brain function and behavioral development trajectories, thereby reducing symptom severity. Among them, parent-mediated intervention is the optimal program for children with ASD under 3 years old. Although ASD intervention services in China have developed rapidly, practical shortcomings remain, such as an overreliance on institutional training and an underemphasis on family involvement, as well as a focus on mechanical skills training rather than daily living functions. Most families face parenting challenge, so it is crucial to construct a scientific and standardized nurturing care system. Based on the global Nurturing Care Framework proposed by the WHO and UNICEF, which encompasses good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, early learning opportunities, and responsive caregiving, this paper explores parenting strategies tailored to the cognitive and behavioral particularities of children with ASD, which are often driven by a lack of social preference and sensory abnormalities. This paper advocates for integrating refined nurturing strategies into daily scenarios and highlights the necessity of establishing a collaborative medical-family-school support system. Improving related policies and service provision will empower family-based care and facilitate the healthy development of children with ASD.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) among preschool children in Zhangjiagang City, and to identify associated influencing factors, so as to provide evidence for early identification and intervention. Methods A stratified random cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 1 391 preschool children (aged 3–6 years) from 13 kindergartens in Zhangjiagang City between May and June 2024. Motor coordination was assessed using the little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (little DCDQ). The 0 - 6 Years Child Home Nurture Environment Questionnaire (CHNEQ) and the Preschooler's Eating Behavior Scale (PEBS) were used to evaluate family environment and dietary behaviors, respectively. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing DCD status. Results The prevalence rates of abnormal DCD and suspected DCD were 4.82% and 7.84%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that older age(OR=0.574, 95%CI: 0.429–0.767) and higher independent eating ability scores(OR=0.484, 95%CI: 0.355–0.659 ) were protective factors associated with a reduced risk of DCD(P<0.001). Conversely, risk factors included poor emotional warmth (OR=2.711, 95%CI:1.234–5.956), limited activity diversity (average:OR=1.769, 95%CI: 1.100 - 2.843; poor: OR=9.300, 95%CI: 3.303–26.183), unfavorable home atmosphere(average: OR=3.456, 95%CI: 1.413 - 8.452; poor: OR=4.244, 95%CI: 2.206–8.164), and emotional eating(OR=1.544,95%CI: 1.145–2.081)(P<0.05). Conclusions The detection rate of DCD among preschool children in Zhangjiagang City is relatively high. DCD status is significantly associated with age, dietary behaviors, and the family nurturing environment. Interventions focusing on improving family environments and fostering healthy eating habits may benefit children at risk.

Objective To identify background factors influencing outcomes of rehabilitation interventions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), so as to provide evidence for the optimization of individualized rehabilitation strategies. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 75 children diagnosed with ASD who received evidence-based and diversified interventions at the Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between December 2020 and March 2025. The follow-up duration was 0.76 (0.39, 1.19) years. Clinical and demographic data, as well as follow-up data from the Griffiths Developmental Scales were collected. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess the effects of intervention duration and background factors on changes in developmental quotients (DQs) across Griffiths subscales. Results After intervention, significant improvements were observed in the DQs for language (Z=4.04), personal-social (t=3.43), hand-eye coordination (t=2.07), performance (t=2.68), logical reasoning (t=5.23), and general developmental quotient (t＝3.93) (P<0.05). Notably, DQs in domains of personal-social (β=8.55), language (β=11.01), hand-eye coordination (β=5.55), performance (β=8.02), and logical reasoning (β=10.63) significantly improved for children who received intervention for more than one year (P<0.05). Multiple background factors showed significant main effects on intervention efficacy. Among them, prematurity, Mandarin-speaking environment, father's high educational level, and parents of appropriate age were associated with higher DQ improvements (P<0.05). Significant interaction effects were found between intervention duration and factors such as the child's gender and caregiver structure (P<0.05). For male children, the benefits in personal-social increased significantly with intervention duration (χ²=12.993, P=0.005). In terms of caregiving structure, children initially cared for exclusively by parents or grandparents showed faster improvement, whereas the co-parenting by two generations model proved to be optimal in the long term(P<0.01). Conclusions Rehabilitation outcomes in children with ASD are shaped by multiple individual and family background factors. Longer intervention duration is associated with higher DQs. Tailored and sustained intervention strategies should be developed based on a comprehensive consideration of individual characteristics and family factors.

Objective To examine the association between gross motor development and body posture in children aged 3 - 6 years, in order to provide evidence for motor education and the correction of postural abnormalities. Methods A cross-sectional design was conducted from May to December 2023. Using a stratified cluster random sampling method, 1 247 children aged 3 - 6 years were recruited from eastern, central, and western China. Gross motor development was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3), and static body posture was assessed using SIGAM-1 three-dimensional scoliosis scanner. Pearson correlation analysis, chi-square test, independent-samples t test, one-way ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Results The mean gross motor score was 45.61±15.42, including 25.90±8.29 for locomotor skills and 21.71±8.81 for object-control skills. The average score of body posture was 18.60±1.15, and a total of 958 children were identified as having at least one postural abnormality, with a detection rate of 76.8%. Gross motor scores were positively correlated with body posture scores (r=0.225, P<0.001), further analysis revealed that a greater number of postural abnormalities was associated with lower gross motor scores (F=16.611, P<0.001). The detection rate of poor body posture in girls (80.1%) was significantly higher than that in boys (73.9%) (χ²=6.714, P=0.010). Anterior pelvic tilt was associated with locomotor skill scores (t=11.545, P<0.001). Shoulder asymmetry (t=4.934), scoliosis (t=3.506), valgus knees (X-legs) (t=2.953), and varus knees (O-legs) (t=2.524) were associated with object-control skill scores (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that anterior pelvic tilt (β=-0.214), shoulder asymmetry (β=-0.106), scoliosis (β=-0.058), valgus knees (β=-0.061), varus knees (β=-0.069), and the number of poor postures (β=-0.202) were negative predictors of gross motor scores(P<0.01). Conclusions The prevalence of postural abnormalities among preschool children in China is high, and such abnormalities are clearly associated with poorer gross motor development. Greater attention to children's body posture and strengthened posture-related health education are warranted.

Objective To analyze the current status of parental nurturing care practices among parents of infants and toddlers in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, and to explore its influencing factors, so as to provide evidence for targeted parenting support. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to December 31, 2024. Using convenience sampling, parents accompanying children younger than 6 years for routine health examinations were recruited from 14 community health service centers in Yiwu. A total of 3 623 participants were included. Parental nurturing care practices were assessed using the Caregiver's Nurturing Care Practice Questionnaire (C-NCPQ). Univariate analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and multivariate linear regression was used to identify factors associated with nurturing care practice scores. Results The total score for parental nurturing care practices was 94 (73, 105). Among the six dimensions, responsive caregiving had the highest score [18 (11, 20)], whereas health care [14 (12, 16)] and safety and security [14 (11, 16)] had relatively lower scores. Multivariate linear regression showed that older paternal age (β=0.23) and a monthly household income of ≥10 000 yuan (β=2.67 - 6.91) were associated with higher nurturing care practice scores (P<0.05). Non-local household registration (β=-3.25), non-nuclear family structure (β=-7.16), fathers working in the military (β=-7.14), mothers working as laborers, military personnel, or farmers (β=-6.05, -13.45, -8.94), non-parental primary caregivers (β=-5.34), and a later expected age to start early education (3 - <6 years: β=-2.32; ≥6 years: β=-8.38) were associated with lower nurturing care practice scores (P<0.05). Conclusions The overall nurturing care practice among infants' and toddlers' parents in Yiwu is generally good, while the dimensions of health care and safety and security are relatively weak. Targeted interventions should prioritize families with non-local household registrations, low income, non-parental primary caregivers, specific occupational backgrounds and lower educational expectations to promote optimal early childhood development.

Objective To investigate the association between parental meta-emotion philosophy and social-emotional competence in children aged 1 - 3 years, so as to provide evidence for promoting early social-emotional development in children. Methods Using convenience sampling, children aged 1 - 3 years and their primary caregivers who visited the Wuchang District Maternal and Child Health Center in Hubei Province from October 2022 to August 2023 were enrolled. Data were collected using a general demographic questionnaire, the Parental Meta-Emotion Philosophy Scale, andInfant and Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to examine the relationship between parental meta-emotion philosophy and children's social-emotional competence. Results A total of 401 children were included, with an average age of (27.96±8.07) months; 212 were boys (52.9%) and 189 were girls (47.1%). Univariate analysis showed that child sex (t=2.154), only-child status(t=2.598), paternal educational level (F=4.616), family income (F=3.530), family structure(F=2.889), and number of electronic devices (t=1.996) were associated with children's social-emotional competence scores (P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that the total score of parental meta-emotion philosophy was positively correlated with children's social-emotional competence (r=0.167, P<0.01). After adjusting for relevant confounding factors, multiple linear regression analysis showed that parental meta-emotion philosophy remained positively associated with children's social-emotional competence scores (β=0.091, 95%CI: 0.038 - 0.145, P=0.001). Conclusions Parental meta-emotion philosophy is associated with social-emotional competence in children aged 1 - 3 years and may be one of the family-related factors influencing children's early social-emotional development. Healthcare professionals should enhance their understanding of parents' meta-emotional philosophy to promote the healthy development of children's social-emotional skills.

Objective To analyze the association between social-emotional competence of toddlers aged 12 - 36 months and maternal responsive caregiving, in order to provide scientific basis for promoting the social-emotional development of children. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to September 2025 using convenience sampling. A total of 269 mothers of 12- to 36-month-old children were recruited from the pediatric ward of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. The Chinese Version of Urban Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment Scale and Responsive Caregiving Rating Scale were used to assess the social-emotional competence of children and the responsive caregiving level of mothers, respectively. Univariate analyses were used to compare differences in social-emotional competence scores across demographic characteristics. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were performed to examine the association between maternal responsive caregiving and toddlers' social-emotional competence. Results A total of 248 valid questionnaires were collected. There were 130 boys (52.42%) and 118 girls (47.58%), with 176 (70.97%) children aged 12 - 24 months. Social-emotional competence scores differed significantly by number of children in the family (t=6.76), place of residence (F=23.11), maternal education level (F=3.88), and monthly family income per capita (F=16.02) (P<0.05). Maternal responsive caregiving was positively correlated with toddlers' social-emotional competence (r=0.596, P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that after adjusting for demographic confounders, the dimensions of respecting autonomy (β=1.102, 95% CI: 0.543 - 1.661) and responsiveness (β=0.856, 95% CI: 0.317 - 1.395) remained significant positive predictors of toddlers' social-emotional competence (P<0.01). Conclusions Maternal responsive caregiving is closely associated with social-emotional competence in toddlers aged 12 - 36 months. It is recommended to strengthen guidance on parenting skills, focusing on enhancing maternal sensitivity and responsiveness, so as to foster healthy social-emotional development of toddlers.

Objective To investigate the potential effect of internal choline exposure on early neurobehavioral development in infants, so as to provide a scientific basis for promoting infants neurobehavioral development. Methods In this prospective cohort study, singleton full-term pregnant women who delivered at the Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University between December 2023 and October 2024 and their infants were recruited by convenience sampling. Dietary choline intake in late pregnancy was assessed, and choline levels in maternal blood and cord blood were measured. Infant neurobehavioral development was evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development Revised in Chinese Cities (BSID-CR). Spearman's rank correlation was used to analyze the correlations between dietary choline intake and choline levels in maternal and cord blood. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the associations between maternal/cord blood choline levels and infant neurobehavioral development. Results A total of 159 mother-infant pairs were included. Energy-adjusted dietary choline intake was positively correlated with maternal blood choline levels (r_s=0.300, P<0.001). The choline content in maternal blood was 2.84 (2.21, 3.98) mmol/L. After dichotomization by the median, infants in the higher maternal blood choline group had higher mental raw scores and mental development index at 3 months of age than those in the lower group (Wald χ²=4.571, 4.622, P<0.05). The choline content in cord blood was assayed at 1.35 (1.01, 1.96) mmol/L. After dichotomization by the median, infants in the higher cord blood choline group had higher mental raw scores at 1 month of age than those in the lower group (Wald χ²=3.979, P=0.046). Conclusions Higher maternal blood choline levels are associated with cognitive development in infants at 3 months of age, whereas cord blood choline levels are associated with cognitive development in infants at 1 month of age. Attention should be paid to dietary choline intake during pregnancy and to infant neurobehavioral development, so as to promote maternal and child health.

Objective To systematically evaluate the diagnostic consistency of different definitions of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) in preterm infants, and to quantify the interaction effects of growth charts, assessment dimensions, and gestational age, so as to provide evidence for prioritizing and standardizing the diagnosis criteria of EUGR. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 1 471 preterm infants admitted to the neonatal ward of the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University and two participating centers between January 2015 and December 2024 were included. Infants were categorized into three groups according to gestational age: extremely preterm infants (<32 weeks), moderately preterm infants (32 to <34 weeks), and late preterm infants (34 to <37 weeks). Twelve EUGR definitions were constructed based on three growth charts (Fenton, INTERGROWTH-21^st, and Olsen) and four assessment dimensions (cross-sectional, longitudinal, true cross-sectional, and true longitudinal). Cohen's Kappa coefficient was used to assess agreement among definitions, and generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the effects of each factor. Results The EUGR detection rate significantly decreased with increasing gestational age (χ²=11.633 - 404.237,P<0.001). Consistency analysis showed the highest agreement among different charts within the same assessment dimension (κ=0.55), moderate agreement among different dimensions within the same chart (κ=0.50). The agreement was the weakest across different chart-dimension combinations (κ=0.29). The choice of growth chart had a greater impact on the detection rate than the choice of assessment dimension (Wald χ²=604.43/ χ²=107.44). There was a significant interaction between gestational age and assessment dimensions, with the longitudinal dimension showing a sharp decline in detection rate in the late preterm group, approaching nearly zero (95%CI: 0.0% - 0.0%). Conclusion Based on the study findings, a stratified diagnostic approach may be proposed: for extremely preterm infants, the true longitudinal definitions based on the Fenton or Olsen growth charts may be prioritized; for moderately preterm infants, a combined assessment may be considered; and for late preterm infants, the Olsen cross-sectional definition may be an option.

Objective To investigate the associations of maternal thyroid hormone (TH) levels during early pregnancy with neonatal anthropometric measures and anogenital distance (AGD), so as to provide reference for maternal and child health. Methods A total of 772 mother-infant pairs from the Jiashan Birth Cohort established between September 2016 and April 2018 were included, with available data on first-trimester TH levels, neonatal anthropometric measures, and AGD. Weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), length-for-age Z-score (LAZ), head circumference-for-age Z-score (HCZ), and weight-for-length Z-score (WLZ) were calculated according to the WHO Child Growth Standards. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between maternal TH levels and neonatal anthropometric indicators, and sex-stratified analysis was conducted for AGD outcomes. Results Compared with the medium free triiodothyronine (FT3) group (4.19 - 4.98 pmol/L), neonates in the high FT3 group (>4.98 pmol/L) had higher WAZ (β=0.23, 95%CI: 0.07 to 0.38), LAZ (β=0.06, 95%CI: 0.00 to 0.12), HCZ (β=0.24, 95%CI: 0.05 to 0.42), and WLZ (β=0.28, 95%CI: 0.05 to 0.51). Low maternal FT3 (<4.19 pmol/L) was associated with a longer AGD_AP in male neonates (β=1.59, 95%CI: 0.20 to 2.99,P<0.05), whereas no significant association was observed in female neonates(P>0.05). Results from the thyroid antibody-negative subgroup were generally consistent with the main analysis. Conclusions Higher maternal FT3 levels during early pregnancy were associated with higher neonatal WAZ, LAZ, HCZ, and WLZ, while lower FT3 levels were associated with a longer AGD_AP in male neonates. No clear association was observed between maternal TH levels and AGD in female neonates. These findings provide additional epidemiological evidence for the associations of maternal thyroid function during early pregnancy with offspring anthropometric development at birth and early reproductive development indicators.

Objective To investigate the changes in body weight from birth to preschool age, and to explore their associations with neuropsychological development, so as to provide a basis for comprehensive nutritional management and early intervention. Methods From October 2022 to May 2023, 1 140 children were selected from 10 kindergartens in Yunnan Province using multi-stage stratified sampling. Preschool weight was measured using standardized methods, and birth weight data were obtained from birth certificates and Child Health Manuals. Neuropsychological development was assessed using the 0 - 6 Year Old Children Developmental Behavior Assessment Scale, and development quotients (DQ) were calculated to analyze the relationship between weight trajectories and developmental delay (DQ<80). Results 1) Among 1 140 children, the prevalence of underweight, overweight/obesity, and low birth weight (LBW) was 4.21%, 29.56%, and 5.44%, respectively. 2) The overall detection rate of neuropsychological developmental delay was 2.02%. Specifically, the rate was 6.25% among children with low weight and 1.48% among children with overweight/obesity. LBW children had a significantly higher rate of neuropsychological developmental delay (6.46%) compared to normal birth weight children (1.76%) (P<0.05). 3) There were statistically significant differences in the detection rates of developmental delay in the social behavior domain among preschool children with different weights (χ²=22.53, P<0.05) and different weight changes (P<0.05). The detection rate of developmental delay in this domain was significantly higher in underweight children (16.67%) than in normal-weight children (5.03%) (P<0.05). 4) Logistic regression revealed that children transitioning from normal/low birth weight into underweight in preschool age had a higher risk of social behavior delay (OR=3.09,95%CI:1.31 - 7.31),whereas patterns developing toward overweight/obesity were associated with a lower risk of delay in the social behavior domain (OR=0.33,95%CI:0.14 - 0.79) (P<0.05). Conclusions Weight status and its changes from birth to preschool age may influence neuropsychological development. It is critical to establish a multidimensional dynamic monitoring system and implement stepwise intervention strategies for children with abnormal weight changes, so as to further explore the potential mechanisms.

Objective To analyze the publication characteristics, research hotspots, and development trends of international research on childhood stuttering over the past three decades using bibliometric methods, so as to provide references for related research and clinical intervention in China. Methods Literature on childhood stuttering published between 1995 and 2024 was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace 6.3. R1 was used to perform visual analyses of annual publication output, countries/regions, institutions, author collaboration networks, as well as keyword co-occurrence, clustering, and burst terms. Results A total of 839 publications were included. The annual number of publications on childhood stuttering generally showed an upward trend over the past three decades. The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom accounted for the largest number of publications, with the University of Sydney and Vanderbilt University as the core institutions. However, the network density was only 0.084, indicating weak international collaboration. Core authors accounted for 11.2% of all authors, forming a relatively stable research group, with major collaboration clusters centered in Australia and the United States. Keywords formed six clusters, including young stutterers, anxiety, emotional reactivity, the Lidcombe Program, speech motor control, and white matter. Burst-term analysis suggested that recent studies have increasingly focused on emotional reactivity and executive function. Conclusions International research on childhood stuttering has shown sustained development over the past three decades. The field is characterized by increasingly refined age-based research populations, growing interdisciplinary integration, and increasing emphasis on family involvement in intervention. Future studies in China may benefit from drawing on international experience, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting localized research and comprehensive intervention practices for childhood stuttering.

Objective To systematically evaluate the association between vitamin A (VitA) levels and tic disorders (TD) in children, in order to provide new ideas for the prevention of TD. Methods CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception to January 12, 2025. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed study quality. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Results A total of 7 case-control studies involving 1 401 participants were included, including 901 children in the TD group and 500 in the control group. The pooled results showed that serum VitA levels in children with TD were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (MD=-0.05, 95%CI: -0.08 to -0.02, P=0.002). Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in serum VitA levels between the Tourette syndrome (TS) group and the chronic motor or vocal tic disorder (CTD) group (MD=0.03, 95%CI:-0.00 to 0.07, P=0.080). Serum VitA levels in the provisional tic disorder (PTD) group tended to be higher than those in the TS group, with borderline significant difference (MD=0.05, 95%CI:-0.00 to 0.09, P=0.050). Serum VitA levels in PTD group were higher than those in CTD group(MD=0.01,95%CI:0.00 to 0.03,P=0.020). In 3 studies, VitA levels in children with mild TD were higher than those in children with moderate-to-severe TD (MD=0.08, 95%CI: 0.05 to 0.11, P<0.001). Conclusions Serum VitA levels are lower in children with TD than in healthy children, and lower VitA levels may be associated with the presence and severity of TD. However, given the limited number of included studies and the substantial heterogeneity, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of chronic conditions that severely affect children's health and are associated with a high clinical prevalence. Their etiology and pathogenesis remain incompletely understood, and frequent comorbidities further complicate clinical diagnosis. In China, the current diagnostic system mainly relies on expert clinical judgment and behavioral assessment, which is limited by subjectivity, delayed diagnosis, and resource constraints. These challenges underscore the urgent need for objective biomarkers to support accurate and timely clinical decision-making. Compared with biomarkers obtained through invasive procedures,minimally invasive or nonivasive peripheral biospecimens is relatively safe, economical, and feasible for clinical application. Meanwhile, such as saliva, urine, and feces, have also emerged as major focuses of recent research and attracted increasing attention. This review summarizes recent advances in peripheral biomarkers for pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders and discusses their potential value in early diagnosis and clinical application.

Motor development level is closely associated with an individual's physical and mental development, and scientific assessment tools are crucial for accurately evaluating developmental status and optimizing intervention strategies. Using bibliometric and systematic review methods, this study analyzed 26 validated motor development assessment tools for children aged 3 - 6 years from China and abroad, focusing on their evolutionary context, core components (dimensions, indicators, methods, and purposes), and regional characteristics. The review indicates that existing assessment tools have formed a four-dimensional core framework of "locomotion, object control, stability and operation". The selection of indicators follows the principle of "seeking common ground while reserving differences," combining universality with localization. Assessment methods are transitioning from outcome-oriented approaches to dynamic, intelligent combined evaluations. Furthermore, assessment purposes have extended to multiple fields, including education, medicine, and cognitive neuroscience, demonstrating characteristics of interdisciplinary integration. Based on this analysis, this paper synthesizes the core paradigms and development trends in child motor development assessment, aiming to provide scientific references for the development of localized assessment tools, optimization of evaluation practices, and interdisciplinary applications, thereby offering significant practical value for promoting the comprehensive development of children's motor abilities.

The broad autism phenotype (BAP) refers to a set of sub-clinical, non-pathological characteristics that are similar to those in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), primarily manifested as language delays, social avoidance, and pragmatic language difficulties. At present, individuals with BAP exhibit significant variability functional levels and are influenced by a complex array of risk factors. Existing screening tools, however, are largely based on ASD diagnostic criteria, rendering them insufficiently sensitive to the milder traits of BAP and overly narrow in their assessment domains. Consequently, these tools fail to capture the full developmental profile and needs of this population. By integrating socio-biological-genetic factors with socio-ecological influences, this paper systematically reviews the core constructs of BAP and commonly used screening and assessment measures, explores its multidimensional etiological mechanisms, and aims to provide a theoretical foundation for the early identification and intervention of BAP.

As an innovative care model in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), family-integrated care (FICare) faces challenges in the implementation of neonatal pain management that warrant further in-depth research and systematic evaluation. This article reviews the intervention approaches and outcomes of FICare in neonatal pain management within the NICU setting. Based on the current limitations and challenges in implementing FICare in Chinese NICUs, the article proposes future research directions, aiming to provide healthcare professionals with reference points for optimizing pain management strategies, enhancing family participation, and improving neonatal health outcomes.