What Happens If My Child Is Referred for Further Assessment?

If screening scores indicate that a child needs further assessment, a referral is usually made to a therapist, psychologist, or pediatrician who specializes in comprehensive developmental assessment. This assessment requires trained professionals and a longer time for testing and interviewing parents than the original screening.

The tests and interviews used at this level provide a more in-depth look at development and are designed to identify more clearly the nature and severity of the developmental problem that exists. The results of comprehensive developmental assessment provide information used to make specific diagnoses when appropriate, and to verify that a youngster is eligible to receive special services such as early intervention, preschool special education, or speech, occupational, or physical therapy.

Sometimes children perform within expectations on a longer test after being referred for comprehensive developmental assessment. Sometimes, children who are referred for comprehensive assessment are diagnosed with a developmental delay or disability, and become eligible for special services. Families then become involved as partners in addressing developmental and health concerns. Local school districts nationwide have primary responsibility for providing special education services to children age three and older.

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