A child study is a comprehensive look at a child’s developmental progress. It is used to determine if a child could potentially have a developmental delay or disability. A child study summarizes the information available from all sources: child, parents, teachers, and specialists. Also, questions are answered and raised through

The premature determination by an adolescent of one’s identity based not on his or her independent choices but on that of the parents.

The act of engaging in recreational activities in which children collaborate to achieve a common objective.

The earliest stage of oral language development in which a single word is used to represent an idea.

A tool that outlines student progress over time and is often used as an alternative grading mechanism to traditional evaluation systems such as numeric or letter grades.

A survey method in which students record their thoughts about specific content areas.

A mental health professional who often works with families who have children with special needs in order to coordinate services.

Mental health professionals who are often involved in a child’s initial assessment to determine cognitive functioning, developmental abilities, and social-behavioral functioning.

A doctor who works with motor abilities, particularly large muscle groups.

The normal developmental stages that a family goes through that have a direct impact on the family’s functioning and needs. Major life events such as the birth of a new child can dramatically impact their psychological resources and their developmental stage.