What It Is
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 and 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 It’s 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”
- Atypical 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.
