General Info

Child Development: A Guide to Healthy Growth

Child development is a crucial area requiring attention and care to ensure children transition healthily into adulthood. Monitoring the developmental stages of children, including those with special needs or chronic conditions, is essential for identifying potential issues and ensuring optimal growth. Professional support from child development specialists plays a vital role in managing this process effectively.

What Do Child Development Specialists Do?

Child development specialists focus on the mental and physical needs of children aged 0-18, including typically developing children and those with special needs, acute or chronic illnesses, or developmental risks. Their responsibilities include:

• Monitoring cognitive, language, psychosocial, self-care, and motor development.
• Preparing developmental progress charts and conducting necessary follow-ups.
• Providing education and counseling to parents.
• Engaging hospitalized children in developmental and educational activities.

They also support the development of children’s verbal, kinetic, personal, social, visual, logical, and musical intelligence. Families facing challenges such as speech disorders, learning difficulties, behavioral problems, or developmental disabilities are encouraged to seek their expertise.

Developmental Screening Tests

To assess and identify developmental concerns, child development specialists may conduct various standardized tests, such as:

Denver II Developmental Screening Test

• Designed for children aged 0-6 years.
• Identifies potential developmental delays through 116 questions in four sub-sections.

Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory (AGTE)

• Evaluates language, motor skills, self-care, and social development for children aged 0-6 years.

Gesell Developmental Test

• Suitable for children aged 3-10, with a focus on motor skills, visual memory, and coordination.

Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test

• Measures language development for children aged 2.5-18 years using image-based tasks.

Metropolitan School Readiness Test

• Assesses preschoolers' readiness for school by evaluating comprehension, visual recognition, and motor skills.

Developmental Monitoring and Support Guide (GİDR)

• Identifies developmental problems and evaluates family concerns through open-ended questions.

Attention and Perception Tests

To diagnose and measure the severity of attention disorders, specialists use tests like:

• Bender Gestalt Visual-Motor Perception Test: Assesses visual perception and motor integration for children aged 5-11.
• Benton Visual Retention Test: Evaluates visual memory and spatial reasoning in children aged 8+.
• Burdon Attention Test: Measures attention span and concentration in children aged 10-20.

Intelligence Tests

For children displaying unique abilities or challenges, intelligence tests may be administered:

• Catell Intelligence Test: Measures general intelligence for individuals aged 4+.
• Porteus Maze Test: Evaluates planning and problem-solving for children aged 7-14.
• WISC-R: Measures mental performance for children aged 6-16.
• Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test: Identifies intellectual levels in children aged 4-12.

Why Consult a Child Development Specialist?

Parents should seek the guidance of a child development specialist to ensure their child’s growth meets developmental milestones. Early intervention for identified concerns enables children to overcome challenges and progress toward a healthy, successful future.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, consult a professional to understand their needs and address potential issues promptly.

This content was developed with contributions from the Medical Park Editorial Board. It is for informational purposes only and does not include therapeutic health service-related details. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional.