Initial Evaluations include a comprehensive developmental and medical history and evaluation. The pregnancy, birth history, and NICU course will be reviewed to better understand each family’s experience and determine risk-factors for developmental difficulties. Your clinician will also emphasize the transition process from the NICU to home and help to coordinate early intervention services as needed.
9-12 Months of Adjusted Age: Mobile Exploration
The 9-12 month evaluation emphasizes the early stages of mobility, communication, and problem solving. The clinician will complete a comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluation and provide guidance on emerging skills and recommendations for home developmental enrichment.
18-24 Months of Chronologic Age*: Toddler Autonomy
The 18-24 month evaluation will emphasize higher level mobility and exploration. More detailed assessment of language development and communication will also be assessed. Early screening and assessment for social communication and behavioral issues will also occur at this time.
*Based on Texas Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines, we will stop “correcting” for a child’s prematurity at 18 months chronologic age (based on birth date).
30-36 Months of Age: Self-Assertion
The 30-36 month evaluation helps to assess the evolution of language and its use as it relates to your child’s behavior. Early pre-school skills and problem solving as well as peer-interactions will be assessed to help understand pre-school readiness and determination of further therapeutic services that could be received in the community such as through the local public school district.
4-5 Years of Age: School Readiness
The 4-5 year evaluation places an emphasis on higher level communication and problem solving skills to best understand school readiness and learning abilities. The clinician will help assist in determining if further school or community-based resources and services may be necessary to help each child receive a Free Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive Environment as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
7-8 Years of Age: Cognitive Stability
The 7-8 year evaluation understands each child’s current educational and community placement and needs. If determined to be necessary, comprehensive cognitive and behavioral evaluations will be both reviewed if completed in the school, and completed during the visit to better understand areas of strength and needs with learning, attention, behaviors, and motor abilities.
