The place of developmental assessment in family practice

The physician dealing with children should include a developmental screening test as part of the routine pediatric examination, with formal developmental assessment reserved for those children suspected of developmental deviations. The assessment should cover all sectors of development, including motor, adaptive, language and personal-social abilities, together with a detailed history of the child's everyday functioning. Results should be interpreted within the context of the child's physical and emotional environment, as well as his general health and neurological status. The developmental assessment should not be an end in itself but should be used instead as the first step in arranging a remedial plan, including in most cases other professionals and community facilities. Long term follow-up and review of the remedial plan is often necessary according to the growing child's changing needs.