Child Development Center

Our center has a long-standing research activity starting in 1954 and focusing on normal and abnormal child development.  

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Normal child development

In the Zurich Longitudinal Studies, all aspects of normal child development have been prospectively assessed in over 700 healthy (normal) children across two generations (since 1954). Each child has been examined more than 20 times from birth to adolescence (an examination usually lasting about half a day). Aspects of normal development such as growth, motor, cognitive, language and social development were assessed. The child’s developmental profile was evaluated using standardized examination tools, structured interviews and questionnaires, and was documented with photo and video-recordings.

The main goals of the Zurich Longitudinal Studies are:

• Description of the natural course and the variability of normal development
• Description of the stability of developmental domains across age (sleep behavior, neuromotor performance, cognition)
• Analysis of developmental mechanisms (e.g., toilet training and its impact on the development of bladder control)
• Examination of the relation of developmental domains between child and parents (e.g., growth, neuromotor performance)
• Demonstration of a generational trend (e.g., in sleep behavior)
• Analysis of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors
• Development of test instruments and assessment tools (e.g., to assess neuromotor function: Zurich Neuromotor Assessment Battery ZNM)  

Children at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment

In different cohort studies, a variety of children at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders are being prospectively followed into adulthood. Since 2003 this research activity has been extended by the REACHOUT projects (supported by the Mercator Foundation) with a strong focus on assessment of quality of life of acutely or chronically ill children. Children with the following conditions are at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment:

• Children born at very low gestation or very low birth weight (<32 weeks, < 1500 grams)
• Children suffering from severe, chronic medical conditions (severe heart defect, chronic renal insufficiency, severe chronic lung disease)
• Children with endocrine disorders
• Children with hearing impairment (and need for cochlea implantation)
• Children with neonatal encephalopathy

The goals of these cohort studies are:

• To describe short and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome
• To describe the spectrum and degree of neurodevelopmental impairment
• To assess impairments at an early time of development to provide early therapeutic interventions
• To assess the quality of life of these children and their families
• To support and counsel children and families
• To determine medical and psychological predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome and quality of life

Research database of the University of Zurich
Information regarding current research projects and publications can be found at the research database of the University of Zurich.