Study Finds Social Media Based Program Eases Stress and Boosts Knowledge and Effectiveness for Parents of Young Children with Motor Delays
ATLANTA, GA (August 25, 2025) – New research from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta shows that a social media-delivered intervention can significantly reduce stress and increase developmental knowledge among parents of young children with motor delays. Parents reports of their child’s motor progress also increased. The study was recently published in Pediatric Research.
According to lead researcher and first author Nathalie Maitre, MD, PhD, neonatologist and pediatrician at Children’s, motor delays are common developmental concerns in early childhood, affecting a wide range of infants, not just those born with complex medical needs. About 15-40 percent of babies discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit leave with concerns related to motor delays. Once home, many families encounter gaps in available resources and ongoing support.
The randomized controlled trial was conducted with 62 caregivers of children ages 3 to 36 months corrected age with motor delays or additional diagnoses such as cerebral palsy or complex medical conditions. The trial tested the use of private Facebook groups to deliver parent support, development education on motor skills and peer connection. The study found that caregivers who participated in the intervention reported greater knowledge gains and fewer instances of clinically significant parental distress compared to those in the wait-list control group. Parents who received the intervention also reported more motor progress in their children. While no changes were observed in parental self-efficacy, participants overwhelmingly reported positive experiences, citing a feeling of connection, empowerment and appreciation for the flexible, digital format available where they are – online.
The study was powerful for caregivers, including Melissa Miller, a parent who participated in the study. Her son, now three years old, is in preschool, and while he still needs support, has come a long way. “It was life-changing to realize that my child wasn’t behind but simply taking another route to get to where he needs to be,” said Melissa Miller. “Thanks to the resources provided in this study, and support from the Baby Brain Optimization Project (BBOP), our family set a goal to travel to Mexico, and we made it happen last year. Today Jayden is three years old and in preschool.”
Looking ahead and thanks to the support of Division Chief of Neonatology, Dr. Brenda Poindexter, and the researchers and clinician of the BBOP team, Dr. Maitre is exploring ways to expand access to developmental support. Access could include a new technology platform providing similar support, but with personalized guidance for families connecting them to each other and to healthcare resources based on their children’s age and goals.
The study was made possible through a private donor to Children’s Foundation, and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
About Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
As the only freestanding pediatric healthcare system in Georgia, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is the trusted leader in caring for kids. The not-for-profit organization’s mission is to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow through more than 60 pediatric specialties and programs, top healthcare professionals, and leading research and technology. Children’s is one of the largest pediatric clinical care providers in the country, managing more than one million patient visits annually at three hospitals (Arthur M. Blank, Hughes Spalding and Scottish Rite), Marcus Autism Center, the Center for Advanced Pediatrics, the Zalik Behavioral and Mental Health Center, urgent care centers and neighborhood locations. Consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has impacted the lives of kids in Georgia, across the United States and around the world for more than 100 years thanks to generous support from the community.