Aubrey Alexander

Abstract Preterm birth remains the leading risk factor for perinatal mortality and morbidity. Infants born preterm miss critical periods of development, placing them at increased risk for a range of neurodevelopmental, motor, and sensory complications. These complex health outcomes are further compounded by biological, behavioral, and social factors, with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations disproportionally affected.

Abstract Zika, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has been found in 87 countries and territories. Global outbreaks peaked in 2016. Prenatal infection of Zika virus was found to be associated with microcephaly, arthrogryposis, intracranial calcifications, fetal growth restriction, and fetal demise. The most severely affected children were diagnosed with congenital Zika syndrome, which impacts thousands worldwide.

Homeschool educators (n = 31) were recruited to complete an electronic survey describing their perspectives. Findings indicated that many students had medical/academic needs, and accessed additional services such as occupational therapy (OT).