Developmental disorders in children are often pervasive in nature. This means that the child falls behind peers in terms of cognition, social skills and emotional understanding. As such, exercises that help children with developmental delays should touch on the biopsychosocial aspects of life.
Cognitive Development
In his series of intelligence tests, David Wechsler created many tests that can help develop cognition. One of the hallmarks of intellectual development is processing speed. This refers to the way in which a person takes in new information, and then uses it in daily life. A great exercise to enhance processing speed involves the simple use of connect-the-dots. Time a child completing these puzzles and track for increases in speed. Though they may seem simple, these exercises target processing speed, as well as visual attention, shifting, sequencing and visual motor cognitive flexibility.
Social Development
Social skills training is an important component of development in children. In their unique test entitled "The Florida Affect Battery," researchers used various phrases and facial expressions to measure an individual's ability to read social cues. A way to recreate this at home would be to watch television and stop after interesting social interactions and walk through them with the child. What did the characters say to one another? What did they mean? Did their tone of voice and facial expression match the content of what they did or said? Children with social delays need help interpreting social actions of others, and television and movies provide useful information when used properly.
Emotional Development
Another aspect of pervasive developmental delay lies in helping children learn to better communicate their emotions. Children often have difficulty placing names to their feelings, which leads to acting out and defiant behavior. In their compendium of psychological tests, psychologists Ester Spreen and Otfried Strauss include various measures regarding emotional intelligence. At home, parents can invest in feeling charts to help children who struggle with emotional communication. A feeling chart shows various facial expressions that may occur in different situations. When a child is acting out or upset but cannot name his feelings, a visual way to explain himself can make a huge difference in behavioral outcomes.
Working Together as a Family
Family involvement is key when assisting children with developmental delays. Children with special needs require interaction at home. The family environment can act as a microcosm of the real world. As such, encourage children and their siblings to engage in these activities together. Feeling comfortable at home gives children the strength to take their new skills out into the real world.
References
- "Administration and Scoring Manual: The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 4ht Edition;" David Wechsler; 2003
- "A Coompendium of Neuropsychological Tests, 2nd Edition;" Esther Spreen and Otfried Strauss; 1998
- "The Florida Affect Battery"; Dawn Bowers et al; 1999
