Achieving with Development Assessments

Every parent prioritises the wellbeing and optimal development of their child. Paediatric physiotherapist WAN YING TEH specialises in babies and children and tells us why a physiotherapy development assessment can help you achieve just this.

- BY GEORGINA HOCKLEY

Why are developmental milestones important?

The first few years of a child's life are crucial for brain development. Developmental milestones are the markers that guide you through your child's growth journey, highlighting what most children can typically do at a certain age. They're an invaluable guide for parents, helping you comprehend, monitor and track your child's progress. These milestones encompass physical achievements, like first steps and crawling, as well as cognitive and social milestones.

Early intervention is key. If your child isn't meeting milestones, it's a red flag that might indicate an area of concern. Recognising developmental delays early enables timely assessment and necessary interventions.

Understanding milestones also aids in setting realistic expectations. Every child is unique, and each will follow their own timeline of development. By being aware of milestones, you can alleviate parenting anxiety and appreciate the individuality of your child's growth journey.

What is a developmental assessment and what does it involve?

When assessing motor skills to identify potential areas of concern, it's crucial to use a standard tool that allows therapists to understand a holistic overview about the child's growth. Parent input is also invaluable and complements a physiotherapist's findings - after all, you are the expert on your child's daily behaviour and growth history.

Our paediatric physiotherapists then look at physical development, assessing motor skills, muscle tone, posture and coordination of your child. We also observe the quality of their movement, whether it's those first attempts at crawling or the first few steps. We use a specialised tool called the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS), which is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of your child's motor developmental journey.