Assessment Methods

An assessment method is a device or strategy used to evaluate a child’s developmental support needs.
Observation is a common assessment method where information relating to the child’s development is gathered through watching their behaviour in a variety of settings and situations.
Standardised tests are often used to measure a child’s developmental progress against a set criteria or standard. Examples include the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning (DIAL).
Checklists can be a useful way of keeping track of developmental markers, or milestones, and to identify any areas where a child may require additional support.
Health and Developmental History Record review involves checking the child’s health and developmental records for any significant events or factors that may be affecting their development, such as Illnesses, hospitalizations, etc.
Interviews can be conducted with the child or with those closely related to the child, like their parents, teachers, or care givers. This is an effective assessment strategy but it relies heavily on the subjective views of the person being interviewed.
Questionnaires are another objective method for gathering information pertaining to a child’s development.
The Developmental Portfolio is a comprehensive collection of work completed by a child and can include samples of their drawing, writing, and other work.
The Informed Clinical Opinion is a method that involves making an assessment on the basis of professional expertise. This is often utilised with other methods for a well-rounded evaluation.
A developmental screening can detect potential developmental delays in children and is meant to provide a brief assessment of a child’s performance.
Each assessment method has its strengths and weaknesses, it is important to utilise a combination to get an accurate understanding of a child’s support needs.
It’s necessary to document your findings in a clear and organised manner using the most suitable format, such as a professional report.
It’s important to remember that cultural and linguistic differences should always be taken into account during an assessment.
Parents’ input should be included in the assessment process as they have unique insights into their child’s development.
Understanding the reasons for and limitations of confidentiality is important when assessing children’s development and support needs.
Results of assessments should be communicated effectively to the caregivers, parents, and involved professionals.
Regular reassessment should be done to monitor progress and to determine if the support provided is effective.

Remember, the aim of this section is to know how to assess and support children’s development effectively, considering various factors, circumstances and individual differences.