Sex differences in neurodevelopment trajectories over the first 3 years

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the sex-specific neurodevelopment trajectories identified in children aged 0–3 years using group-based trajectory modeling, including the differing number of trajectory classes for girls versus boys and the domains (adaptability in girls, language in boys) that primarily drive overall development.
2. Identify the perinatal factors associated with low developmental trajectories in boys and girls, including the shared risk factors (maternal gravidity of two or more, non-breastfeeding) and the factor (preterm birth) uniquely associated with low trajectory in girls.

Zhang, Z., Sheng, L., Yue, C., Qiao, X., Yuan, M., Liu, X., & Chen, X. (2026). Sex differences in neurodevelopment trajectories over the first 3 years. Child Neuropsychology. https://doi.org/10.1080/09297049.2025.2599855