Developmental Evaluation
Most parents have wondered at one time or another “is my child okay”? If a baby is slow to crawl or walk, or doesn’t talk in a manner comparable to other children his age, it’s easy for parents to become concerned. Most times, these worries fade, because as time goes by, the child catches up to his/her peers. Sometimes, however, parents notice that their child is consistently and enduringly “different” from other children his or her age. It is tempting for parents to attribute the behavior to the child’s individual temperament and to “wait and see” in the hopes the child will outgrow the behavior; it is frightening and distressing to consider that something may be amiss with your child.
However, if your child needs assistance to make positive developmental progress, adopting a “wait and see” attitude will prevent him or her from getting the help he/she needs in a timely manner. Thus, in these situations, it is wise to seek consultation from your pediatrician or a specialist to ensure that your child’s development is on track. Remember that nobody knows your child as well as you do.
If you sense there is a problem with your child’s development be assertive in explaining your concerns to your pediatrician and other specialists to ensure that your child receives the assistance he or she needs.
Evaluation is recommended in a variety of circumstances in order to assist families in identifying factors that are impeding their child’s social, emotional or academic success. Assessment is often useful when a child is experiencing behavioral and emotional symptoms that do not have a clear cause. Reasons for evaluation include academic difficulties, emotional or behavioral problems at home or at school, or to assess for developmental delay, including autistic spectrum disorders.
Evaluations for high risk infants (multiple births, those born prematurely, small for gestational age, complications during pregnancy or birth) are also recommended to establish a baseline of functioning and to monitor ongoing development.
Evaluations for Infants/Toddlers (ages birth – 2)
Developmental evaluations for infants and toddlers usually comprise the following: a parent interview, administration of one or more standardized developmental or clinical assessments, an observation of the parent(s) and child together, feedback session with parents, and a written report. The purpose of a developmental evaluation is not just to obtain a test score; rather it should include an analysis of the child’s strengths and possible problem areas, and the developmental implications of these behaviors.
Many parents are familiar with intelligence and achievement tests. However, evaluations of infants and toddlers are very different. Young babies do not talk and toddlers typically do not talk well. Although these evaluations are comprehensive, there are wide variations in typical child development and thus extensive knowledge of young children and good clinical judgment is essential.
Dr. Critton is cautious about making definitive statements of delayed development early in infancy, but rather provides detailed recommendations in order to assist infants in making positive developmental progress.
Evaluations for Preschoolers (ages 3-5)
Evaluations for preschoolers usually comprise the following steps: a parent interview, a preschool observation and/or observation of the parent(s) and child together, a feedback session, and written recommendations. The process is detailed below.
- Clinical interview with parents
- Discussion of the presenting problem(s), the parent’s understanding of their child’s difficulties, and efforts to remedy the problem
- Detailed background information, including birth history and early childhood development
- Preschool Observation
- This observation is scheduled before Dr. Critton meets the child so that Dr. Critton is able to observe the child in his/her preschool environment without his/her knowledge. These observations allow Dr. Critton to gain valuable information about the child’s social skills and overall development. Further observation, including a home visit may also be recommended.
- Feedback Session (with parents)
- After evaluation is complete, Dr. Critton meets with parents in order to discuss her findings.