Intellectual and Developmental Delay Evaluations for Children
At Individual Matters, we recognize that every child develops and grows at their own pace. We also know that when developmental delays are identified, early intervention is critical. In addition to providing assessment and diagnostics, we are here to help you navigate the process of getting your child the appropriate supports and services.
Dr. Katen specializes in assessing intellectual developmental disorder in children ages 5 years and older.
This evaluation includes a measure of cognitive functioning (also called intellectual or IQ testing), a measure of adaptive functioning, record review, parent interview, and clinical observation. If your child meets criteria for a diagnosis of intellectual developmental disorder, we will help connect you with next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Global Developmental Delay and Intellectual Developmental Disorder?
Global developmental delay (GDD) is a clinical diagnosis issued to children under the age of 5 years. It is defined by significant delays (as compared to same-age peers) in at least two areas of development (such as speech and language, motor, cognitive, and activities of daily living).
Intellectual Developmental Disorder is a clinical diagnosis given to individuals over the age of 5 years who continue to show delays in cognitive (intellectual) functioning (or IQ) and adaptive functioning (activities of daily living).
Some children who are first given a diagnosis of Global Developmental Delay will continue to show delays and eventually meet criteria for Intellectual Developmental Disorder. However, other children who receive early intervention and supports may make significant gains in their development and no longer show delays after the age of 5.
What are signs and symptoms of developmental and intellectual delays?
While every child develops and grows at their own pace, developmental milestones are considered skills and behaviors that most children can perform or display by a particular age. It is important for parents to talk with their pediatrician to become aware of the developmental milestones for different ages and stages of development. At each stage of development there are warning signs, and identifying these warning signs early is critical to getting the child needed intervention.
Who should get an evaluation for developmental and intellectual delays?
Early intervention is critical. If a toddler or child is showing any of the warning signs of delayed development, parents should speak with their pediatrician about a referral for formal evaluation by a psychologist, occupational therapist, or speech-language therapist.
When should I have my child evaluated for developmental delays?
Developmental delays can be identified in infants and toddlers. Intellectual developmental disability is assessed and diagnosed as young as 5 years of age. Depending on their age, a child can qualify for specific programs, intervention, and supports. Because early intervention is critical, parents should seek assessment as early as possible and as often as needed. If a parent has concerns about possible delays, the “wait and see” approach is not recommended.
Who can assess and diagnose developmental and intellectual delays?
Child development is screened by pediatricians at age intervals starting as young as 9 months. If there are concerns, a referral can be made to early intervention specialists, psychologists, speech-language therapists, and occupational therapists. If a play-based assessment has been completed an interventionist, or if a therapist is currently treating delays, a referral to a psychologist for formal assessment is recommended.
How should delays be assessed and diagnosed?
While the first step in assessing intellectual and developmental delays may be a screener or check-list questionnaire, a thorough evaluation by a clinical psychologist should include a clinical interview, review of records, either IQ/cognitive testing or developmental testing, and a measure of adaptive functioning.
How is a medical/clinical diagnosis different from a school-based IEP?
An educational classification of Global Delay will be determined by the school evaluation team for children under the age of 8 years who show delays across multiple areas of development. Clinically (or medically), a child can be diagnosed with global developmental delay up to the age of 5 years. After the age of 5, the child will be assessed for intellectual developmental disorder.
What is the first step in getting a developmental or intellectual delays evaluation?
If you are concerned that your toddler or child is showing any of the warning signs of delayed development (or if a play-based assessment has been completed an interventionist, or if a therapist is currently treating delays), a good first step is to consult with a clinical psychologist who specializes in developmental testing. This consultation should clarify the evaluation purpose and process, outline the scope and cost, and identify goals and potential outcomes. You should feel comfortable with the provider, understand their philosophy about child development and learning, and clearly understand the evaluation process and associated costs. This is also the time to ask questions. If you don’t feel good after the consultation, consider shopping around for other providers and options.
My child is diagnosed with developmental delay or intellectual developmental disorder. Now what?
Treatment and intervention for a learning disorder is unique for each child – this is why individualized evaluation is so important. Every child’s cognitive and academic profile is one-of-a-kind, just like their fingerprints. When the process begins with a quality evaluation, you can be sure you are on the right track to helping your child.