Literature review for - Flourish Paediatrics

figures indicate that we have little reasonn for complacency and much yet too do. UNICEF
recently
established benchmarks for OECD countries in infant mortality, m birth weight and
immunisation. Australia was below the benchmark in each of these three areas (see Figure
1.7 below).
While research has
demonstrated that children’s life courses cann be significantly disrupted by
poor early childhood experiences, it is also demonstrated that high-quality
preventative
programs can substantially change this life course. Although noo single program has been
identified as a ‘magic bullet’, there is substantial evidence that by acting early governments
are in a position to ameliorate the effects of poor quality environments andd intervene in the
intergenerational transmissionn of disadvantage. In summarisingg this research, the National
Scientific Council on the Developing Child has identified a number of core principles,
which they have labelled ‘effectiveness factors’. The first of these identifies that access to
basic medical care for pregnant women and children
can help prevent p threats to healthy
development as well as provide early diagnosis and appropriatee management as problems
emerge. Evidence supporting this factor includes the positive effects of adequate prenatal
and early childhood nutrition on healthy brain development, and the developmental benefits
for very
young children when
parental problems such as maternal depression are identified
and treated effectively. Similarly, there is extensivee research too indicate that children’s
participation in quality early childhood programs can make a substantial difference to
cognitive and social outcomes. Longitudinal studiess in the United States, following
significantly disadvantaged families, have demonstrated substantial differences in
wellbeing, income,
social participation and adjustment betweenn adults whoo experienced
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