Professionals with special training have important expertise to offer. And by working together, parents and professionals will complete a thorough look at the child and his strengths. Other adults who know you and your child well may have helpful information. You can help to decide the role you wish to play in the assessment and who else should be part of the assessment team. An assessment should take into account all aspects of the baby or young child's development.
Many factors influence how a baby or young child grows and learns.
All of these affect the way your child plays, moves, eats, talks, listens, watches, and develops in every way. Thinking together about all of these questions will help you and the professionals with whom you are working understand your child's development. An assessment should give a picture of the child in different settings, and gather information from many people. An assessment is a chance to learn about everything a child can already do, what she is interested in and enjoys, and where she is having difficulties. Your description of what your child does at home is as important as what the examiner observes directly.