Neuro-developmental Assessments
Neuro-developmental Assessments
Neuro-developmental assessments are tests done to evaluate your child’s health from the infancy stage through to preschool age. They are done to ensure that children are meeting their milestones in areas such as language, learning and social skills. Developing brain systems and environmental factors will also be assessed to help provide a profile of the child’s developmental skills in the following areas:
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Playing skills
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Attention and activity level issues
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Behaviour (areas of strength and weaknesses)
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Cognitive and developmental abilities
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Social and emotional skills
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Social interaction skills
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Social interaction skills
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Adaptive functioning
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Language and communication
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Motor skills
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Pre-academic skills
Neuro-developmental Assessments
Neuro-developmental assessments are tests done to evaluate your child’s health from the infancy stage through to preschool age. They are done to ensure that children are meeting their milestones in areas such as language, learning and social skills. Developing brain systems and environmental factors will also be assessed to help provide a profile of the child’s developmental skills in the following areas:
-
Playing skills
-
Attention and activity level issues
-
Behaviour (areas of strength and weaknesses)
-
Cognitive and developmental abilities
-
Social and emotional skills
-
Social interaction skills
-
Social interaction skills
-
Adaptive functioning
-
Language and communication
-
Motor skills
-
Pre-academic skills
When is a neuro-developmental assessment indicated?
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Your child has been diagnosed with an emotional, behavioural or developmental issue.
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The paediatrician has identified your child as being at risk for developmental issues.
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You suspect your child may have a delay in any of the above skill areas.
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You suspect your child may have a disorder/disability such as learning or language disability, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).
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You notice any loss or regression of skills in your child at any age.
What does a neuro-developmental assessment entail?
First, you need to provide the paediatrician with information about your child’s developmental and medical history.
Your child will then be required to participate in a series of activities for 2-3 hours. These activities may include solving simple puzzles, labelling pictures, or playing with different toys.
The paediatrician will then conduct a comprehensive exam of your child’s health and do necessary tests. After diagnosis, depending on your child’s condition, the paediatrician will make a suitable treatment plan for your child.
You may be referred to an occupational therapist, child psychologist or play therapist for treatment and management of your child’s neurodevelopmental concerns that your child has.
FAQs
FAQs
The most important food that your child needs to have in their diet are fish, eggs, nuts, vegetables, oats, beans, and yoghurt.
These help with brain development.
Neuro-developmental delays may be caused by the following:
- Genetic or hereditary conditions such as Down’s syndrome
- Trauma to the brain like shaken baby syndrome
- Metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria
- Exposure to certain toxic substances such as prenatal alcohol exposure or lead poisoning
- Severe psychosocial trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder
- Certain serious infections
- Deprivation of food or environment
These tests may include hearing tests, speech tests, blood tests, physical examinations and questionnaires.