Child Developmental Assessment
Child Developmental Assessment is a medical process used to obtain information on children’s growth and development. The critical aspects of the data from such assessment include cognitive development, psychomotor skills, language, and social-emotional development. During such an assessment, the nurse aims at obtaining records of growth in all areas. Apart from monitoring growth, Child Developmental Assessment enables identification of children who may require special care (Kaufman, 2018). After an examination, nurses can identify specific needs critical in deciding the interventions required by a child. Evaluations play vital roles in coming up with strategies on how to manage a child or a group of them with similar needs.
Besides, the procedure of child assessment involves parents or guardians of a child hence the development of a standard method of child support and care. Given that growth is a continuous process, the more an individual grows old, their needs keep changing. Human needs vary based on age and their surrounding thus, data acquired is distinct for all ages. Also, the modes of assessment are dynamic and suitable for all patients. When assessing a five-year-old most information is obtained from their caregivers or parents while when assessing a twelve-year-old they can express themselves. Nurses can employ techniques like observation, standardized tests, portfolio, and parents rating to assess’ children. Each of the techniques is used based on a child’s age; an assessor may also modify a technique to avoid inaccurate data. An example of a modified technique is reading out questions for five year old and writing answers for them, the same method may be used for a twelve-year-old, but they are left to read, interpret, and answer questions with little assistance.
Developmental stages.
After conception, developments of various organs begin. Each stage is critical; hence; any disturbance or retardation can cause lifelong problems. Before performing an assessment, a child’s growth details should be confirmed. Any problems in the early stage of development might be responsible for poor performance.
Sam is a nine-year-old boy who was born at 38 weeks gestation weighing 2550grams via SVD. He suffered birth asphyxia at birth; he was put in NBU for one week. Sam was exclusively breastfed for six months during which he was weaned gradually. He would roll over at four months and sit without support at six months. At eight months, some developed severe malnutrition that retarded his development. The mother reports Sam had delayed milestones. He crawled at 15 weeks, walked without support at 20 weeks. Sam could babble words at six months and made complete sentences at 23 weeks. Sam began schooling at four years; he associates well with everybody. The mother reports he passed both oral and anal stages without any fixation.
Erick Erickson developmental theory.
According to Erick Erickson, a psychologist, human development can be grouped into eight stages based on age. Sam fits in the fourth stage called industry vs inferiority. This stage comprises children of ages between 5-12 years. According to Erickson, children in this group are focused on being competent in all activities they carry out (Cherry, 2018). While assessing Sam, more focus should be put on his ability to read and write. He should have cognitive skills acquired from the school where he does pure mathematics. Peer groups are essential to enable him to have self-esteem (Rubin, Bukowski and Bowker, 2015). By assessing Sam’s best friends and children, he does not associate with, a circle of those who lower his self-esteem can be developed. Both parents and teachers should focus on ensuring Sam’s esteem are intact, activities that can make him feel inferior must be eliminated.
During the assessment, the mother must be involved to ensure enough corporation. Sam can be given simple sums to solve so that his motor skills can be assessed. Sam might have some delayed milestones because of birth asphyxia.
References
Cherry, K. (2018). Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
Kaufman, A. S. (2018). Contemporary intellectual assessment: Theories, tests, and issues.
Guilford Publications.
Rubin, K. H., Bukowski, W. M., & Bowker, J. C. (2015). Children in peer groups. Handbook of
child psychology and developmental science, 1-48