[Developmental disorders in preschool children: an interdisciplinary approach]
Oskar Jenni1, Caroline Benz, Jon Caflisch
1Abteilung Entwicklungspädiatrie, Kinderspital Zürich und Sozialpädiatrisches Zentrum, Kantonsspital Winterthur.
Insights
Primary care physicians need to understand developmental surveillance and screening for early identification of developmental disorders in children. This guide covers screening methods, diagnostic steps, and interdisciplinary collaboration for effective intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
Context:
- Early childhood is a critical period for development.
- Developmental abnormalities are common in early childhood.
- Primary care physicians play a crucial role in early detection.
Purpose:
- To equip primary care physicians with knowledge of developmental surveillance and screening.
- To outline diagnostic procedures for developmental disorders.
- To emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration in managing developmental disorders.
Summary:
- This article reviews current developmental screening tools used in primary care settings.
- It clarifies terminology related to developmental disorders in young children.
- Essential diagnostic procedures and the importance of teamwork among healthcare professionals are detailed.
Impact:
- Improved early detection and management of developmental disorders in children.
- Enhanced collaboration among physicians, psychologists, therapists, and educators.
- Better developmental outcomes for children through timely and appropriate interventions.
Abstract:
Many children show developmental abnormalities in the first years of life. Thus, the primary care physician should know the procedures of developmental surveillance and screening and be informed about the further steps in the evaluation of children with developmental disorders. This article presents current developmental screening methods in primary care, defines the terminology of developmental disorders in young children, demonstrates the essential diagnostic procedures in developmentally impaired children and describes the interdisciplinary collaboration between physicians, psychologists, therapists and special needs educators.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Three Developmental Domains
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Intellectual Disability


