NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales (NNNS): Tool Kit

The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales (NNNS) is a tool for the comprehensive examination of normal full-term infants, preterm infants, and infants at risk because of prenatal substance exposure. NICU stands for "neonatal intensive care unit." The NNNS can be used with infants through 6 weeks of age - and as early as 32 weeks gestational age for preterm infants - to guide assessment, evaluation, and early intervention. It is designed to evaluate neurobehavioral and neurological profiles, adaptations to stress, and the withdrawal status of neonates exposed to drugs in utero. The NNNS is useful for assessment of all at-risk infants and can serve as a basis for consultation with families and a guide for intervention. The test takes about 20 minutes (plus 10-15 minutes for scoring) and can be administered by experiences clinicians after certification training, available internationally through video conferences.