Developmental assessment: history, examination and standardised tools — formative SAQs

SAQ 1 (10 marks)

A 20-month-old is referred because the caregiver is worried about speech and social interaction. ^[1]

1. Outline your structured developmental history and free-observation plan. (4) ^{[1] [2]}
2. Which examination and first-line sensory checks do you prioritise? (3) ^{[1] [4]}
3. How would you use standardised tools without over-claiming diagnosis? (3) ^{[1] [3]}

Model answer

Open concern, take pregnancy/NICU/milestone/regression history, and observe free play for joint attention, gesture, language and motor skills before tools. ^{[1] [2]} Examine growth, dysmorphology and neurology; arrange hearing (and vision as indicated). ^{[1] [4]} Use a general developmental screen and M-CHAT-R/F with follow-up when indicated; screens identify risk and do not alone diagnose; refer early with clear handover. ^{[1] [3] [9]}