A developmental specialist is a medical professional who is qualified to assess an individual’s physical, medical, or emotional development. When there is concern about a child’s development, a referral to a developmental specialist is usually sought. While developmental specialists are frequently associated with children, there are also adult and adolescent developmental specialists.
Children are expected to learn and master specific skills as they mature and grow. Milestones are the terms used to describe these abilities. Milestones reveal how a child reacts to and learns about the world around him. A child’s first steps are usually taken between the ages of ten and sixteen months.
In general, children master milestones within a predictable age range, while others are behind or never reach certain milestones. When a child fails to meet certain milestones within the expected time frame, further investigation may be necessary. Down syndrome and autism, as well as prematurity, infection, and hearing loss, are all examples of developmental issues.
A developmental specialist’s qualifications vary. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in childhood development, special education, psychology, or social work is required as a minimum. The employing facility may require a license in early childhood development.
A “Developmental Pediatrician” is another type of developmental expert. Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in children’s health and development. They usually work with kids who have more serious developmental issues that could have an impact on their health.
A developmental specialist’s primary goals are to assess and advise. Gross motor skills, fine motor skills, muscle tone, language development, and play are the most commonly assessed categories. Typically, the specialist will ask the parent or guardian to fill out a child questionnaire. The specialist will then direct and observe the child as he or she completes a series of tasks. The assessment process can be completed in one or two sessions, each lasting an hour to two hours.
The developmental specialist will recommend a treatment plan after the observation and assessment are completed. Patients who are behind in one or two areas may require specialized treatment until the problem is resolved. For example, a child who is delayed in language may benefit from speech therapy for a limited time before requiring additional services. However, keep in mind that each person is different and may require additional assistance in certain areas.
When multiple areas of development are delayed or never met, it may indicate a disorder or syndrome that necessitates the involvement of additional specialists. When this happens, the developmental specialist will usually spend time explaining the disorder or syndrome to the family. The family is also given recommendations and referrals for other services. Developmental specialists are frequently praised for their ability to provide families with the support and resources they require.