Neurodevelopmental

WHAT IS IT?

A neurodevelopmental evaluation is a specialized comprehensive assessment of infants through preschool aged children with a wide range of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and learning difficulties. Developing brain systems and environmental factors are assessed in order to provide a profile of the following...

COGNITIVE & DEVELOPMENTAL ABILITIES

Pre-academic or academic skills
Play skills
Adaptive function skills
Language and communication skills
Motor skills
Social interaction skills
Social-emotional skills
Behavior and attention

WHEN AN ASSESSMENT IS NEEDED

When you suspect your child may have a delay in any of the above skill areas
When 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)
Any loss or regression of skills at any age
When you observe any deficits as listed below

8–12 Months

Lack of back and forth sharing of smiles, sounds, and facial expressions
Does not respond to name
Lack of gestures (i.e., pointing, reaching, waving)

12–24 Months

Delay in language (e.g., no 2-word spontaneous expressions by 24 months)

Delay in pretend play skills

Repetitive or rigid behaviors

24–36+ Months

Poor eye contact
Lack of reciprocal (back and forth) conversation
Appears to be “in own world”
Typical behaviors or play (i.e., flapping, staring at spinning objects, lining things up)
Lack of interest in other children
Difficulty with transitions

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

This information helps us to gain a greater understanding of the child’s relative strengths and vulnerabilities and is used to develop Early Intervention, Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Accommodation Plans. It also can be used to design therapeutic services and developmental activities to optimize the child’s learning and successful development.

The earlier your child’s strengths and limiting factors are understood, the more successful they will be.