Description of an Infant Development Assessment
Developmental assessments identify developmental strengths and weaknesses. A pediatrician may recommend an infant development assessment, if she notices a potential delay during an office visit. Parents can request an assessment if they suspect a developmental or behavioral problem. The assessment results will determine if an infant needs early intervention or treatment.
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Importance
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Infant development assessments promote the early detection of potential delays. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), early identification and intervention improve the overall health and well-being of children with developmental disabilities. The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that fewer than 50 percent of children with developmental delays are recognized before beginning school, which leads to more significant delays and missed opportunities for treatment.
Infant Milestones
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Most infants are able to babble, smile, roll over, sit without support, drink from a cup, stand up and walk by one year of age, according to the MedlinePlus Encyclopedia, provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. By their first birthday, infants should also respond to "no," play simple games such as peek-a-boo and use the terms "mama" and "dada" appropriately. Each child develops at a different rate, so a normal infant may reach milestones before or after other infants of the same age.
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Features
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A development assessment evaluates all aspects of a child's development. A developmental assessment specialist, or a team of health care professionals, may conduct a physical examination, hearing and eye screenings and standardized tests to identify any physical or developmental problems. The infant is observed in different settings performing various tasks to understand how he interacts with other people and objects. Parents are asked to describe their infant's growth, motor skills, play, social skills, behavior and emotional well-being.
Results
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Parents can ask for a written report detailing the results of the assessment. In some cases, the outcome of an assessment reassures parents that their infant does not have a developmental disorder. Age-specific developmental goals will be discussed with parents to track the infant's progress. If the infant is diagnosed with a developmental or behavioral problem, the infant's health care provider will recommend treatment. Carefully review the results and discuss any concerns before beginning an early intervention program.
Tips for Parents
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Infants perform their best during evaluations when they are healthy, rested and comfortable. Don't schedule an assessment during a regular nap or feeding time. Reschedule if the infant is sick. The AAP recommends that children should be reevaluated periodically to determine if they have outgrown a developmental disorder or developed a new delay. If parents are not satisfied with any aspect of the assessment, they should ask for clarification or get a second opinion.
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References
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