Assessment of a Child's Neurology and Development

The progression of developmental milestones is subdivided into:

• Gross motor

• Fine motor (includes visual-motor)

• Language, social/emotional, and adaptive

Primitive reflexes

• Blinking – close eyes in response to light

• Plantar – upward toes (abnormal if present after 2 years)

• Crawling – crawling motions when placed on stomach

• Moro’s (Startle) – quick change in position will cause baby to throw arms out, open hands, and throw head back

• Tonic neck – if head passively turned to side, the ipsilateral arm will extend and other arm will flew at elbow and shoulder

• Grasp – fingers or toes will curl when something placed in area

  • Muscle stretch/Tendon reflexes usually tested in the older child