Who is responsible for noticing if a child’s development differs from their peers?
A growing phenomenon in today’s world is that children struggle with learning difficulties and behavioral disorders in the school environment. Often, the background of these problems can be attributed to differences in children’s development and movement. The question of who is responsible for recognizing early signs often arises. Parents, health visitors, and pediatricians all play key roles in this process.
Children’s development is closely intertwined with their movement, which is why the Jutalom Vagyok organization places special emphasis on sensorimotor screening. During the screening, the examination takes place in the children’s familiar environment, such as a nursery or kindergarten, where educators are also present. The project coordinator, Péter Tóth, shared several important insights about the methodology and the significance of the screening.
The aim of the screening is to identify problems in a timely manner and provide opportunities for early intervention. Early detection can not only aid the child’s development but also guide parents and educators on the next steps. The methodology facilitates the observation of children through playful tasks, allowing specialists to gain an accurate picture of the child’s social behavior and abilities.
The Importance of Sensorimotor Screening
Sensorimotor screening is extremely important for toddlers and preschool-aged children. At this age, children’s perception and movement are closely related, making sensorimotor observation a critical aspect of the screening. The most reliable method for determining children’s movement status is through the execution of sensorimotor tasks, during which developmental discrepancies can be easily observed.
Through playful tasks conducted within the framework of the Jutalom Vagyok project, observing professionals gain direct insight into children’s social behavior, perseverance, and frustration tolerance. Additionally, they can monitor perceptual abilities such as vision, hearing, touch, and balance. Timely intervention creates opportunities to support children’s early development, which can significantly contribute to alleviating learning difficulties.
Discrepancies observed during the screening may require immediate corrective actions. Professionals not only provide diagnoses but also practical suggestions that can help educators and parents support the child’s development at home.
Symptoms of Sensory Integration Disorder
Sensory integration disorder can manifest in various forms in children, and numerous symptoms may indicate problems. One of the most common phenomena is a low or excessively high sensory threshold, which indicates children’s sensitivity. Additionally, differing activity levels can be observed, which may point to issues related to children’s motor development.
Another warning sign may be low language skills or speech disorders, which can hinder the child’s communication. Fear of heights, learning difficulties, and challenges in everyday activities, such as dressing, can also be signs of sensory integration disorder.
Screenings are recommended between the ages of 2 and 6, so that children can be observed during familiar experiences in their nursery or kindergarten. It is important that sufficient time is available for necessary corrections to be made after the screening before the child starts school.
Location and Organization of the Screening
Within the framework of the Jutalom Vagyok project, screenings are available nationwide, and an increasing number of local professionals are assisting with the processes. Local child development specialists and developmental centers continuously adapt to growing demands and maintain connections with institutions, ensuring the best developmental opportunities for children.
During screenings, evaluations take place in the children’s familiar environment, in the presence of educators. Observations take into account not only the children’s movement but also their social interactions, allowing for the understanding of their natural behavior. With the help of camera observations, professionals record children’s actual behavior, thus avoiding distorting effects.
It is important for parents to inform themselves about the screening opportunities and to contact the project coordinator, Péter Tóth, using one of the provided contact details.
The screening aims not only to support children’s development but also to strengthen collaboration between parents and educators. School readiness assessments and the involvement of local professionals ensure that children receive the best foundations for school life.
