The implications of both theoretical approaches for developmental therapists working with ill children and in primary health care are discussed. Increased involvement in clinically based research in this area is proposed. The development of a reliable and valid assessment of neuromotor function for infants is an important priority for occupational and physical therapists and physicians in the diagnosis of infants with neuromotor dysfunction. Through the development of the Infanib, Ellison has provided an observational scale to assess overall neuromotor status. Many of the test items on the Infanib were derived from neuromotor tests including the Milani-Comparetti and Gidoni scale.
Items focus on assessment of tone, primitive reflexes, and posture.
The test has good internal consistency reliability and interobserver reliability for total test scores. The purpose of this paper is to review and critique the Infanib. Information is provided on the test's purpose, content and development, standardization, psychometric properties, administration, scoring, and examiner training requirements. The Infanib's strengths and weaknesses are summarized. The Peabody Gross Motor Scale is used to assess gross motor skills and often is employed in the process of qualifying children for special education and related services.