What is a Developmental Assessment?
A developmental assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that examines how a young child is growing and developing across key areas such as communication, motor skills, problem-solving, social interaction, and emotional regulation. It helps determine whether a child’s development is on track for their age or if additional support may be beneficial.
Purpose
The goal of a developmental assessment is to understand a child’s overall developmental profile—highlighting both strengths and areas that may need extra attention. It can help identify developmental delays, neurodevelopmental differences (such as autism spectrum disorder), or other factors that may affect learning and daily functioning.
What It Involves
A developmental assessment may include:
- Parent interviews to gather information about the child’s early milestones, daily routines, and current abilities.
- Play-based activities and observations to assess how the child communicates, moves, and interacts with others.
- Standardized developmental tests that measure skills in areas such as language, cognition, fine and gross motor abilities, and adaptive functioning.
- Input from caregivers or educators to understand how the child functions in different settings.
What It Can Identify
A developmental assessment can help identify:
- Global or specific developmental delays
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Speech and language delays
- Motor coordination difficulties
- Early signs of learning or attention challenges
Outcome
Families receive a detailed report outlining the child’s developmental strengths, areas for growth, and practical recommendations for home, school, and therapy. The psychologist may also suggest early intervention services or referrals to other specialists if needed.
A developmental assessment provides a clear picture of where a child is in their growth journey—helping families access the right supports early to promote healthy development and lifelong learning.