Developmental Assessment of the School-Aged Child with Developmental Disabilities

1. Introduction: General issues in development.; 2. Developmental disabilities (disorders).; 3. Developmental assessment.; 4. Acquisition of reading: Developmental dyslexia (Specific Reading Disability) and its assessment.; 5. Development of speech and language: Specific language impairment and its assessment.; 6. Acquisition of mathematical skills: Developmental dyscalculia and its assessment.; 7. Development of social communication and assessment of autism spectrum disorders.; 8. Development of general cognitive functions: Generalised learning disability (mild) and its assessment.; 9. Development of motor skills: Developmental coordination disorder and its assessment.; 10. Emotional development: Assessment of attachment and personality.; Appendix I. Developmental milestones.; Appendix II. Developmental history: parent form.; Appendix III. School report form.; Appendix IV. Direct School Observation form.

A solid knowledge and understanding of child development is central to child mental health assessment and interventions. Although developmental disabilities are common among children with mental health problems, there have been a surprisingly limited number of texts for practitioners. This refreshing book covers this training gap by linking evidence with practice on a range of specific and general types of developmental delays across the spectrum of childhood and young life. A wealth of suggestions on improving clinical skills is complemented by rich case material, and will be of great interest to practitioners of health, social care and educational background.