fig1

Figure 1. Neurodevelopmental trajectories of children aged 33-84 months (n = 278), modeled using GBTM. (A) Age-dependent changes in neurodevelopmental scores. Neurodevelopmental scores are normalized based on the ASQ total score and the Wechsler IQ total score obtained between 33-84 months of age. A detailed rationale for this approach is provided in Supplementary Text 2, where we explain its scientific basis and the importance of ensuring comparability across assessment methods; (B) Predicted trajectories (dashed lines: red for high, green for low) and observed data (symbols: red crosses for high, green crosses for low). Based on the maximum posterior probability rule, 36 children (12.95%) were classified into the persistently low group and 242 children (87.05%) into the persistently high group for subsequent analyses. Trajectory groups were named according to their initial values and subsequent trends. GBTM: Group-based trajectory modeling; ASQ-3: Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition; WPPSI-IV: Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence–Fourth Edition; WISC-IV: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition.