What is a Child Neurodevelopmental (Developmental) Evaluation?
A neurodevelopmental (developmental) evaluation provides you a better understanding of your infant, toddler, or preschooler’s developmental status and provides detailed recommendations for appropriate services.
Why pursue a neurodevelopmental (developmental) evaluation?
Families in Boston might pursue a developmental evaluation for their child for the following reasons:
- You have concerns about your child’s development.
- Your child has trouble interacting with the other kids in preschool.
- Your child is having difficulties interacting with a parent or caregiver.
- Your child has trouble with self-help skills.
- Your child’s hearing was tested and considered normal, but does not seem to understand what people are saying.
- Your child has hearing loss.
- Your child seems delayed in motor milestones.
- Your child seems delayed in language milestones.
- Your child is easily overstimulated.
- Your child has difficulties separating from parents.
- You would like some education about how to support development.
Any child whose parents suspect a delay or atypical development can benefit from an evaluation.
What are some conditions that can be better understood with a neurodevelopmental evaluation?
- Congenital disorders such as cerebral palsy or hydrocephalus
- Neurological disorders such as seizure disorders or suspected brain injuries
- Medical illnesses or treatments that affect can cognitive functioning such as cystic fibrosis or chemotherapy
- Effects of toxic chemicals such as lead poisoning
- Neurodevelopmental disorders such as:
- Language disorders including apraxia
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) including Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and Asperger’s Syndrome
- Mental Retardation
What areas of development do neurodevelopmental evaluations assess
- Cognitive (thinking) and developmental abilities
- Play Skills
- Language and Communication abilities
- Adaptive functioning (skills children need to function in their daily world)
- Gross and Fine motor skills
- Social skills
- Social and emotional abilities
- Pre-academic or academic skills
How are the test results used?
It depends on the reason for the evaluation. Neurodevelopmental evaluations:
- Confirm or clarify a diagnosis
- Provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses to guide developmental, educational, or other services
- Document changes in functioning since prior examinations, including effects of treatment
- Provide recommendations such as:
- Academic Interventions (if appropriate)
- Behavioral Interventions
- Counseling/therapy
- How to help your child use strengths
- How to help your child remediate weaknesses
- The role of the family
- The role of the community and resources
- The need for evaluation in other areas and may result in referrals to other specialists