Developmental Screening
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Noosha Shaheedy, MD, FAAP
Pediatrician located in Century City, CA
Dr. Noosha Shaheedy is a board-certified pediatrician who specializes in all aspects of infant and child care. This includes developmental disabilities that may impact the learning process. She encourages residents throughout the Century City and greater Los Angeles area to visit Shaheedy Medical Corporation to have a developmental assessment performed if they believe their children may be delayed in any way.
Developmental Assessment and Screening Q&A
What is a developmental assessment and how is it used?
A developmental assessment is used to compare a child's growth to other children of the same age. The assessment compares several factors and determines whether the child falls into standardized parameters that have been set for children of the same age group. There are several areas of development that can be assessed, including:
- Physical
- Intellectual
- Emotional
- Social
- Language
A development assessment is used to determine the presence of physical abnormalities as well as learning differences. Children may undergo developmental assessments at various times in their childhood, including when teachers notice potential problems in how a child struggles to learn or if they experience behavioral problems when placed in certain situations.
Do ADD and ADHD always require medication?
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can range in severity from child to child. Once a child has been diagnosed with one type of learning differences, other types of behavioral issues are also identified. Children who have mild forms of ADD and ADHD may not require medication.
Adapting unique learning styles and finding ways that help them to learn according to their own, individual parameters may reduce the need for medication, allowing them to live a fuller, more normal life. Children who have ADD and ADHD in addition to other developmental differences may require medication, in addition to other forms of treatment to help them control their outbursts or disruptive behaviors.
What treatment options are available for children on the autism spectrum?
Applied behavioral analysis is just one way to treat autism and other spectrum disorders. Behavioral training includes treatment options such as the teaching of social skills and positive reinforcement techniques that encourage the child in ways they understand. Physical therapy may also be able to help strengthen fine motor skills and allow the child have better control of their body.
Speech and occupational therapies are also beneficial when it comes to teaching children ways of interacting with others. Each child will learn in their own way, and it may take trial and error to find which teaching methods are most effective based on the child's individual needs.