Table 1 Examples of parameters of Neuro-developmental assessment using the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT)
Developmental domain | Method of assessment | Examples of items/parameters assessed |
|---|---|---|
Gross motor | Parental report | Crawls, Pulls self to stand |
Observation | Sits without support Able to stand if holding onto things | |
Direct administration | Walks using both hands of someone | |
Fine motor | Parental report | Transfers objects from one hand to another |
Observation/direct administration | Can use a neat pincer grasp to pick up object between thumb and fore finger Puts blocks or stones in and out of a plastic tea cup in imitation | |
Language skills | Parental report | Understands when being told ‘no’ or being cautioned Shakes head or does something to indicate No |
Observation report | Makes double syllable sounds, tata, dada, mama Says two other words other than mama, dada, e.g. cup, cow, spoon | |
Direct administration | Follows one stage command such as ‘give me the cup’ | |
Social behaviour | Parental report | Helps by putting hands out to be washed Indicates in some way the need for poo or pee |
Observation | Frolics with mother/caregiver in response to being played with | |
Direct administration | Stretches to be picked Drinks from a cup by self |