The clustering criteria creates a mean score for the BNBAS items that
are conceptually related. In general, a higher cluster score suggests increasing organization and
interactional abilities, while a lower score suggests decreased self-regulation, poorer motoric
control, and physiologic instability that is often at the cost of comparatively increased attention.
Administration of the exam is the same for high-risk preterm infants as for full-term infants;
however, the examiner may make adjustments in presentation or timing of items based on the
individual responses of the high-risk infant and their maintenance of physiologic stability
throughout the exam