Neurodevelopmental Assessments

Ages 0-4

Dr. Erickson also conducts neurodevelopmental assessments including early infant assessments when there are concerns about potential cognitive, language, and motor delays. This evaluation would be conducted if the child is failing to meet early developmental milestones or presents with early risk factors such as preterm birth, early exposure, and early medical history such as Cerebral Palsy

How Neurodevelopmental Assessments Can Help

Our neurodevelopmental assessments provide valuable insights into your child's unique needs by monitoring social, cognitive, language, and motor development. These assessments help guide early interventions and can help to support optimal development.

Experience with Neurodevelopmental Assessments for Infants and Toddlers

Dr. Erickson has clinical training and work experience conducting neurodevelopmental assessments with infants and toddlers. This includes providing evaluations through craniofacial clinics, cardiology clinics, and as part of a multidisciplinary post-NICU clinic. These assessments help guide early interventions and support optimal development.

Close up portrait of cute little boy during play therapy at child psychologist's office, professional woman with notepad making notes

What to Expect in Our Assessments

  • Clinical/Diagnostic Interview

    We gather detailed background information covering various aspects of your child's life. This includes medical history such as prenatal and birth details, hospitalizations, and surgeries. We also assess developmental milestones in motor skills (e.g., rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking) and language skills (e.g., vowel-consonant sounds, first words, sentences, gesturing). Additionally, we review toilet training progress, previous occupational, physical, and speech/language therapies, and family and social dynamics. This includes family members and their ages, relationships within the family, ease of parenting, play behaviors with peers, daily activities, and your child's temperament, including eating and sleeping routines and how easily they are comforted.

  • Formal Cognitive Assessment

    We use standardized tests, such as the BAYLEY-IV for infants and toddlers (ages 16 days to 42 months), to assess various domains of development.

  • Collateral Information

    Closely reviewing medical records is a vital part of having a comprehensive understanding of your child’s history. Such information will also help to clarify potential risk factors and treatment strategies.

  • Clinical Feedback

    Clinical feedback is provided on the day of the assessment. We discuss the findings with you and provide recommendations for interventions, accommodations, and support based on the test results. A key part of the feedback is also communicating the results to your child's medical providers to ensure coordinated care.

FAQs

Early developmental assessments are crucial for identifying risks and implementing early interventions. Early identification of developmental issues allows for timely support, which can significantly improve outcomes in social, cognitive, language, and motor development.

Please bring any relevant medical and educational records, as well as any previous assessments or reports. This information helps us provide a thorough evaluation. It is also recommended that you bring along any comfort items, such as a favorite toy, snack (e.g. puffs), sippy cup, or blanket, to help them feel at ease.

To help your child feel comfortable, ensure they are well-rested and have had a meal before the assessment. With toddlers, explain to them in simple terms that they will be meeting a doctor who will play some games and have them show off their walking and talking skills.

It's normal for young children to feel a bit anxious or uncooperative in new situations. If this happens, we will take breaks as needed and use strategies to help them feel more comfortable.

The assessment process typically takes a couple hours, including breaks. We aim to complete the assessment in one session, but it may be necessary to schedule additional sessions depending on your child's needs and comfort level.

Yes, parents are usually allowed to stay with their child during the assessment. Your presence can help your child feel more secure and comfortable.

You will receive clinical feedback on the day of the assessment. A detailed written report will be provided within a few weeks, summarizing the findings and recommendations for interventions, accommodations, and support.

Unlock Your Child's Potential Today!

Ready to pave the way for your child’s happier and brighter future? Our tailored assessments will help uncover your child’s unique strengths and areas for growth, providing the tools needed for success. Contact us to get started today!

Get Started!