The evaluation aids in the identification of developmental delays that result in poor performance in some youngsters. It also focuses on indicators and difficulties like autism, as well as neurological disorders like cerebral palsy. The diagnosis of health issues assists primary caregivers in determining the need for developing and implementing appropriate care plans, including tailored management, to enable children with various capacities to reach their full potential. The developmental evaluation also aids in the diagnosis of milestone difficulties, particularly markers of malfunctions such as hearing impairments, intellectual ability, speech abnormalities, and vision impairment. The appraisal is thus critical in developing opportunities and prescriptions, including assistive technologies and restorative care (Durkin & Maenner, 2014).
Essential components of development assessment
Language and communication skills competency
Cognitive development
Physical development including health status, growth, and sensations
Psychosocial skills, including mental health
Emotional development
Tools to use in assessing specific component of development, and accuracy status
The majority of current screening tools are designed to serve specific diagnostic roles, where they investigate specific issues. For instance, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire is the most comprehensive tool for assessing the development of gross motor and communication skills. While Nipissing District Developmental Screen finds colossal relevance in appraising cognitive skills, Alberta Infant Motor Scale is preferred in motor development. Early Referral Identification Kit is considered more significant in language and speech competencies (Pepper & Weitzman, 2004).
Most accurate tool for assessing the developmental components
The questionnaire tools remain the most accurate tools in developmental assessment. The superiority is confirmed by the relevance in not only detecting susceptibility of children but also highlighting the need for more tests on issues such as psychosocial problems (Bellman, Byrne, & Sege, 2013).
Components in assessing the biological functioning and well-being of the pediatric patients
Blood pressure, height, head circumfluence, and height are the most critical parameters in evaluating basic biological operations and welfare of pediatric patients. Other essential components include mental health, oral health, extremities, blood tests, hearing abilities, abdomen, neurological signs, skin, and vision. The elements are significant in providing primary health-care services to children, as they are measures of not only holistic functioning but also the absence of diseases and infirmity (Faulks et al., 2013).
References
Bellman, M., Byrne, O., & Sege, R. (2013). Developmental assessment of children. BMJ, 346, e8687.
Durkin, M. S., & Maenner, M. (2014). Screening for developmental disabilities in epidemiologic studies in low and middle-income countries. Essentials of global mental health, 187-194.
Faulks, D., Norderyd, J., Molina, G., Phadraig, C. M., Scagnet, G., Eschevins, C., & Hennequin, M. (2013). Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to describe children referred to special care or pediatric dental services. PloS one, 8(4), e61993.
Pepper, J., & Weitzman, E. (2004). It takes two to talk: A practical guide for parents of children with language delays. The Hanen Centre.
