Key Principle 4: Considering Development
Ratings should be completed considering the individual’s chronological age to support identifying the needs and strengths of children/youth
While every child/youth and environment are unique, we know that many developmental milestones (e.g. walking, talking, and toilet training) can be expected by certain ages. When rating any item in the TCOM tool, consider the child/youth as compared to their same-age peers. By comparing typical development, then identifying and rating needs, and strengths are more clearly defined. Think about how a child/youth's developmental stage impacts our understanding of whether social functioning, recreation, or anger control is a need. Let’s review this example:
As you apply this principle in your practice, remember to:
1. Understand typical child/youth development.
2. Understand the basics of common developmental delays and disorders.
3. Caregiving capacity changes over time.
4. Be flexible in your understanding of strengths.
Learn more: Considering Development Schoox Course
If you are looking for resources to increase your knowledge of developmental milestones, age-appropriate expectations, and developmental disabilities, here are two excellent sources:
- CDC Developmental Stages: Resources, Research, Articles, Materials; Milestones, Safety, Brain Development https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/index.html
- CDC Developmental Disabilities: Resources, Research, Articles, Materials; ASD, ADHD, Fragile-X https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/