Evaluating A Child With Down Syndrome

As with most disabilities there comes a time when your child will need to have an evaluation, generally for school. Sometimes the school will request that an evaluation be done and at other times an evaluation is conducted because there has been a significant change in the physical or mental. The pediatrian may also request Sometimes there is the need to evaluate the cognitive ability and at others it will merely be a measurement of physical ability. Here is a brief summary of the more common analysis that may be conducted.

Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT). This is a test that has the purpose of finding out just how much the child understands (receptive vocabulary).

Expressive Vocabulary Test (EVT). This requires that the child can lable a certain picture, or can name a synonym for a specific picture shown.

Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF). This test is for the primary and preschool ages. The test measures the ability of the child to be receptive to and express language. It measures understanding, grammar, morphology and auditory memory.

Bracken Test of Basic Concepts is another picture test to show the grasp of "concepts".

Pre-School Language Assessment Inventory is for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners. Following direction, the ability to reflect upon information gathered and solving simple programs are the areas this test is concerned with.

The Language Processing Test (LPT) is used to measure a child's ability to process, organize language ranging from the very simple to more advanced concepts.

General Info:

Tests alone is not enough to really evaluate a child. There should be some observation of the child in situations where they are not being tested but are observed at play or in a more natural setting.

Evaluations are sometimes conducted to measure progress towards the child mastering a skill. The evaluations should be planned in advance so to have plenty of time to clear your schedule of other obligations so that you can devote all you can to devoting your undivided attention on the appointment. The child should be well-rested and made to feel as comfortable as possible. The evaluation will run more smoothly if the child can be made to feel at ease.

Evaluations will be assessed and you should have the opportunity to discuss the results of the tests.

Make sure you ask questions before the scheduled appointment so that you know what it is that will be done at the appointment, and approximately how long the evaluation will take.

It is important to keep as many records as you can at home so that you can share them with relevant individuals or your child's school.

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