🩺 1. Medical Evaluations
✅ Developmental Pediatrician Review
- Purpose: Monitor overall development, behavior, co-occurring conditions (like ADHD, anxiety).
- Frequency: Every 6 to 12 months or as advised.
- Why it’s important: Ensures child’s developmental path is tracked and referrals for other specialists are made if needed.
✅ Neurological Exam (if advised)
- Purpose: Rule out seizures or neurological issues.
- Frequency: At diagnosis, then if symptoms emerge (e.g., regression, seizures).
✅ Genetic Testing
- Purpose: Check for underlying genetic causes (e.g., Fragile X, Rett Syndrome).
- Frequency: Once at or soon after diagnosis, or if suggested by doctor.
✅ Hearing & Vision Tests
- Purpose: Rule out hearing/vision issues affecting behavior or communication.
- Frequency: Annually or as needed.
🧠 2. Psychological & Behavioral Assessments
✅ Cognitive/IQ Testing (WISC, WPPSI, etc.)
- Purpose: Understand learning ability, memory, reasoning.
- Frequency: Every 2–3 years or during school transitions.
✅ Autism Diagnostic Tools (ADOS, CARS, etc.)
- Purpose: Initial diagnosis or re-evaluation if symptoms change.
- Frequency: At diagnosis; re-evaluate only if needed.
✅ Emotional & Behavioral Evaluations
- Purpose: Assess for anxiety, depression, OCD, or aggression.
- Frequency: Annually or when concerns arise.
🗣️ 3. Speech and Language Evaluations
- Purpose: Assess expressive and receptive language, pragmatics (social use of language).
- Frequency: Every 6–12 months, or more often during early development.
- Why it matters: Language development can change rapidly, especially with intervention.
🧩 4. Occupational Therapy (OT) Evaluation
- Purpose: Check fine motor skills, sensory integration, daily living skills (dressing, eating).
- Frequency: Every 6–12 months.
- Note: If sensory processing issues are severe, more frequent assessments may be helpful.
🧑🏫 5. Educational & Learning Assessments
✅ Psychoeducational Evaluation
- Purpose: Academic skills, learning disabilities, attention, and executive functioning.
- Frequency: Every 2–3 years (important before starting school, and during transitions).
✅ IEP (Individualized Education Plan) Review
- Purpose: Tailor educational support (accommodations, therapies).
- Frequency: Annually (or more often if major changes are needed).
🧪 6. Additional Assessments (If Needed)
| Test | When/Why |
|---|---|
| Sensory Profile | OT-led, if child shows extreme sensory seeking or avoidance |
| Sleep Study | If sleep issues are severe or persistent |
| Feeding Evaluation | If there are food aversions, choking, or very restricted diets |
| Mental Health Evaluation | If signs of anxiety, depression, self-injury, or aggression |
🗓️ Suggested Testing Timeline (Example)
| Age | Key Evaluations |
|---|---|
| 2–3 years | Diagnostic tests (ADOS), speech & OT evaluation, hearing/vision, developmental pediatrics |
| 4–6 years | Cognitive testing, IEP planning, OT/speech updates, sensory profile |
| 7–10 years | Psychoeducational eval, behavioral assessments, therapy reviews |
| 11–13 years | Pre-adolescence planning: emotional, social, executive function check |
| 14–18 years | Transition assessments: life skills, vocational aptitude, mental health check |
📌 Tips for Parents
- Keep a binder or digital folder of all test results, IEPs, and medical reports.
- Track behavior, sleep, diet, and mood — these logs help during evaluations.
- Don’t wait for annual reviews — speak up if something feels off.
- Collaborate with professionals: doctors, therapists, teachers, and counselors.
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