Clinical practice guidelines for assessment of children and adolescents

Abstract

Under-stimulation and malnutrition could present with a picture of early developmental delay, followed by rapid catch-up growth and development, with the correction of environmental and nutritional factors. [...]while assessing development in a child, environmental stimulation, and physical growth must be assessed alongside developmental milestones. [...]some parents have a eureka moment when, say, the clinician points out how excessive screen time and insufficient contact with same age peers is playing a role in the child's speech and social delay. The manner of exploration and engagement with children must follow this understanding. [...]waiting for preschool children to cooperate across an interview table may not be successful, whereas letting the child sift through toys, or be in a play area may reveal his activity levels, attention span, ability to tolerate frustration, and cognitive abilities. The child has to be in a calm, alert state for the best estimation of cognitive and socio-emotional development. [...]if the child is irritable, from hunger or some physical discomfort, the parents may be asked to attend to the immediate needs of the child and then resume assessment process.