TOOLS FOR DEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF MOTOR DISORDERS IN YOUNG CHILDREN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1811-2471.2025.v.i4.15806Keywords:
developmental assessment tools, motor impairments in early childhood, early intervention, rehabilitation, quality of life, individualized rehabilitation programAbstract
SUMMARY. Motor development in early childhood is one of the key indicators of a child’s overall psychophysical condition. Detecting deviations during early life stages allows for the timely implementation of effective early intervention and rehabilitation measures. In this context, the use of valid and reliable tools for assessing development and motor functions becomes especially relevant. The presented abstract reflects the main points of a review article dedicated to modern approaches to the assessment of motor impairments in young children.
The aim – to analyze current tools for assessing psychomotor development and to identify effective approaches for evaluating motor impairments in early childhood. Particular attention is given to the importance of early intervention, individualization of rehabilitation programs, and the impact of these processes on the quality of life of children with motor impairments.
Material and Methods. The review is based on the analysis of scientific sources published in international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science). Methods of systematization, comparison, and critical analysis of literature regarding screening and diagnostic scales, tests, and protocols used in clinical practice to assess motor functions in children up to three years of age were employed. National and international recommendations for developing individualized rehabilitation programs were also considered.
Results. The analysis results indicate a wide variety of developmental assessment tools – both general (Bayley Scales, Denver Developmental Screening Test) and specific (Alberta Infant Motor Scale, GMFM, Peabody Developmental Motor Scales). The significance of a multidisciplinary approach and the necessity of regular monitoring of motor development for timely adjustment of individualized rehabilitation programs have been substantiated. It was established that early assessment is a key element in early intervention systems and is closely linked with long-term prognosis regarding the child’s functional status and quality of life.
Conclusions. Developmental assessment tools are critically important for the timely diagnosis of motor impairments in early childhood. The implementation of standardized methods not only objectifies the child’s condition but also facilitates the formation of individualized rehabilitation pathways. The review emphasizes the need to combine clinical scales with functional and quality of life assessments to achieve a holistic approach in rehabilitation practice.
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