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Developmental evaluations are comprehensive assessments designed to understand a young child’s strengths and challenges across key areas of development. These areas include cognition (like problem-solving), language and communication, motor abilities, social-emotional functioning, and adaptive skills (daily living activities).  This type of assessment is available for children ages 2-5.

 

Each evaluation is conducted by a doctoral-level psychologist with specialized expertise in early childhood development, using play-based tests that include tasks like stacking blocks, assembling puzzles, and finding hidden toys. Caregivers play a central role in the process by providing vital information through detailed interviews and standardized questionnaires that describe the child’s functioning in everyday settings. 

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Developmental evaluations are often recommended to assess concerns about developmental delays, including difficulties with language and social interaction. They are also used to evaluate for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), using gold-standard tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). Referrals commonly come from pediatricians, therapists, or educators.

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The developmental evaluation process typically includes three sessions:

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• A thorough caregiver interview to gather information about the caregivers’ concerns, the child’s developmental history, and details of the child’s everyday functioning​​

• A child assessment session with interactive, play-based testing

• A feedback session where results and recommendations are discussed with caregivers

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Following the evaluation, families receive a detailed report outlining findings and tailored recommendations for support, services, and/or treatment planning.

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