I-CAN-development
Infant and Child Assessment of Neuro-development
Comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment and follow-up for infants and children
What is a neurodevelopmental assessment?
A neurodevelopmental assessment is an evaluation of all aspects of an infant or child's abilities. Assessments provide information about their developing nervous system and their strengths and weaknesses in all areas of development including cognition, language, motor and social skills.
Assessments are performed using age-appropriate
and play-based tests.
An important aim of I-CAN-development is to identify what an infant or child can do.
This enables parents to build on their child's strengths and help to promote their development.
Dr Frances O'Brien
Medical Director
Dr Frances O'Brien is a Consultant Neonatologist with over 25 years’ experience in Paediatrics and Neonatology. She leads the NHS neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up service for high-risk infants (including babies born very preterm) for Oxfordshire.
As a private practitioner she established I-CAN-development to provide an accessible and comprehensive neurodevelopmental service for children aged 0-3 years who would not usually be eligible for routine follow-up in the NHS. She has vast experience of early child development and specialist knowledge of early prediction and developmental outcome of sick and preterm babies.
Photo: Mike Broadhead
Who are neurodevelopmental assessments for?
General assessment of development is recommended for all children (Health Visitors usually do this at 9 - 12 months and 2 - 21/2 years of age).
Comprehensive follow-up and neurodevelopmental assessment is recommended for those who are at higher risk of developmental delay such as:
- Babies born preterm (premature)
- Babies who were sick at birth and admitted to NICU
- Babies who underwent some types of cardiac surgery or ECMO
The first 1000 days are a time-critical period for child brain development. Accurate identification of developmental difficulties allows diagnosis and early intervention to optimise potential.
Photo:
Michael Dechev
When are neurodevelopmental assessments performed?
Neurodevelopmental assessments can be carried out at any age during childhood; Dr O'Brien specialises in infants and children from birth to 3 years of age.
Typical ages for assessment are 3-4 months, 6 months, 8-9 months and around 1 year, 18 months and 2 years.
Where possible it is a good idea for assessments to be carried out at a time of day when a child is likely to be alert and active - flexibility of appointment times allows this.
Child friendly assessments
All of the tests used for assessing development in children from birth to 3 years of age have been designed to be child-friendly and are play-oriented. Tasks use toys, books and puzzles and children find the assessments fun to participate in.
Children generally manage to complete the assessment in one session but may need a break for a snack or a run around during longer assessments; this can easily be accommodated.
Put your mind at ease
Assessment is offered for parents who have concerns about their children’s development or who are simply looking for assurance that their children are developing normally.
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Infant and Child Assessment of Neuro-development
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