Assessment of Movement in Children with Learning Disabilities: A Review

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: An Assessment of the Movement and Function of Children with Specific Learning Disabilities: A Review of Five Standardised Assessment Tools
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Nur Sakinah Baharudin, Dzalani Harun, Masne Kadar


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: An Assessment of the Movement and Function of Children with Specific Learning Disabilities: A Review of Five Standardised Assessment Tools

Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.2.3

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This article provides a comprehensive narrative review of five standardized assessment tools used to evaluate movement and functional abilities in children with specific learning disabilities (SLD), aged 4 to 17. Despite the availability of various assessment instruments for children with disabilities, tools specifically focused on movement and function in children with SLD remain limited. The review emphasizes the necessity for effective evaluation strategies, especially within the Malaysian context, where existing studies are often relevant only to Western populations. The assessment tools discussed include the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency-2 (BOT-2), the movement assessment battery for children-2 (MABC-2), the pediatric balance scale (PBS), the Vineland adaptive behavior scale-II (VABS-II), and the pediatric evaluation of disability inventory-computerized adaptive test (PEDI-CAT).

Importance of Assessment Tools for Movement and Function

Assessment Tools and Their Relevance
The need for standardized assessment tools is vital for determining the movement performance and functional skills of children with SLD. The literature reveals that children with SLD frequently exhibit clumsiness and deficits in gross and fine motor skills. The assessment tools reviewed aim to provide comprehensive insights into these abilities, which are crucial not only for individual development but also for guiding educators and healthcare professionals in tailoring interventions to support children’s educational and physical progress. Each tool has unique characteristics and purposes, with some focusing on specific skill areas like fine motor control or balance. Identifying the right tool ensures a more accurate assessment, which can lead to appropriate interventions tailored to the unique challenges faced by these children.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the review highlights the strengths and limitations of the five assessment tools designed for evaluating the movement and function of children with SLD. While they exhibit strong reliability and validity, challenges in administration and cultural applicability remain significant concerns. The authors recommend a careful selection of assessment tools that are standardized, contextually relevant, and user-friendly. Such tools can provide valuable information that contributes to more effective management and support for children with SLD, ultimately enhancing their learning experiences and overall functional abilities. Further research is necessary to develop culturally appropriate adaptations and translations of these tools to ensure they meet the needs of diverse populations.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the purpose of the movement assessment tools for children?

These tools are designed to evaluate the movement and functional abilities of children with specific learning disabilities (SLD) to identify any motor impairments or difficulties they may have.

What are the five assessment tools reviewed in the article?

The five tools reviewed are the BOT-2, MABC-2, PBS, VABS-II, and PEDI-CAT, each used to assess different aspects of movement and functional abilities in children aged 4 to 17 with SLD.

What are the strengths of these assessment tools?

The strengths include established reliability and validity, applicability across cultural contexts, and the provision of clear frameworks for evaluating motor skills, making them useful for professionals in clinical and educational settings.

What limitations are associated with these assessment tools?

Limitations include the need for trained professionals to administer tests, potential cultural irrelevance in items, and challenges in scoring. Additionally, some tools require more time to complete, which may affect younger children's participation.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Assessment of Movement in Children with Learning Disabilities: A Review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Table:
The term 'Table' in the context of the article refers to the organized presentation of data that summarizes key characteristics of assessment tools. In research, tables serve as concise visual aids that effectively communicate results, enhancing the reader's understanding and facilitating easy comparison among various tools and their metrics.

2) Performance:
'Performance' refers to the ability of children to execute movement and functional tasks as assessed by standardized tools. In special education and therapy, evaluating performance is crucial for tailoring interventions and capturing strengths and challenges in children with specific learning disabilities, thereby informing further educational strategies.

3) Reliability:
'Reliability' is a statistical measure indicating the consistency of a tool's results over time or across different assessors. In the context of assessment tools, a reliable instrument is essential for ensuring that evaluations of children's motor and functional skills yield valid conclusions, guiding effective interventions and support.

4) Learning:
Learning involves the process through which individuals acquire knowledge or skills. For children with specific learning disabilities (SLD), understanding their learning capabilities through assessment tools is critical to developing targeted interventions that help them overcome educational barriers and improve their academic performance.

5) Ter:
'Ther' appears to be an abbreviation, possibly referring to 'therapy' or 'therapist.' In the context of special education and rehabilitation, it is essential for therapists to utilize appropriate assessment tools to evaluate children's motor skills and functional abilities, facilitating better intervention strategies and supporting their overall development.

6) Developing:
'Developing' refers to the ongoing progression of skills and abilities in children as they grow. In the context of assessment, understanding the developmental milestones and challenges specific to children with learning disabilities aids in selecting appropriate tools for evaluating their motor and functional skills.

7) Language:
'Language' in this context pertains to the communication skills used by children. Assessment tools often measure language proficiency as part of a broader evaluation of a child's abilities. Understanding language skills is essential for educators and therapists to craft effective communication strategies for children and support their learning.

8) Study (Studying):
'Study' refers to the systematic investigation undertaken to understand a phenomenon or evaluate tools. In this context, the article discusses various assessment tools for children with learning disabilities, emphasizing the need for research to validate these tools and ensure they meet the needs of diverse populations.

9) Composite:
'Composite' refers to a combination of various components or domains. In assessment tools, composite scores represent an amalgamation of different skill sets, providing a comprehensive view of a child's motor and functional abilities. This metric enables professionals to evaluate overall performance while identifying specific areas of strength and need.

10) Activity:
'Activity' relates to any task or action performed by children, particularly in the context of daily living and physical functions. Understanding the range of activities children can perform is vital for assessments, as these insights guide therapists and educators in developing support programs tailored to enhance those skills.

11) Training:
'Training' involves imparting specific skills or knowledge required for administering assessments. For professionals working with children with learning disabilities, proper training in using assessment tools ensures that evaluations are conducted effectively, and that results are interpreted accurately to improve intervention strategies.

12) Indian:
'Indian' refers to the context or population being studied, relevant in this article focusing on assessment tools for children in India. Cultural considerations in assessment practices are important to ensure tools are applicable and sensitive to the unique challenges faced by Indian children with learning disabilities.

13) Balla:
'Balla' likely refers to individuals associated with the development or validation of assessment tools mentioned in the article. Their contributions are crucial for establishing reliable methodologies that enable accurate assessment of children's motor and functional abilities, particularly for those with specific learning disabilities.

14) Hand:
'Hand' refers to manual dexterity, a critical aspect of fine motor skills. Many assessment tools measure the ability of children to perform tasks requiring hand coordination and control, reflecting their developmental progress and identifying potential support needed to enhance their functional skills.

15) Education:
'Education' encompasses the formal and structured approach to teaching children, particularly those with learning disabilities. The use of standardized assessment tools is integral to education, assisting teachers in understanding individual student needs and adapting pedagogical strategies to foster greater learning outcomes.

16) Kumar:
'Kumar' is likely a reference to a researcher or author involved in the creation or discussion of the assessment tools addressed in the article. Recognizing key contributors is essential in academic literature to credit their findings and validate the importance of their research in the field.

17) Rules:
'Rules' refer to the guidelines or procedures established for administering and evaluating assessment tools. Familiarity with these rules is crucial for professionals to ensure consistency and reliability in assessments, which ultimately affect the accuracy of the results and recommendations made based on them.

18) Field:
'Field' pertains to the discipline of study or practice, in this case, related to education, occupational therapy, or pediatric assessments. Professionals working in these fields must stay informed about the latest tools and methodologies to effectively support children with specific learning disabilities.

19) Pine (Pimte):
'Pine' may refer to a specific location, possibly a part of a study or a researcher, and in the current context may not have a clear relevance. Further information would be necessary to provide an accurate definition or connection to the main subjects discussed in the article.

20) Pose:
'Pose' refers to the act of assuming a position or condition during an assessment or task. It is relevant in the study of motor skills, as the ability to maintain balance or engage in various physical activities is often evaluated through the child's ability to pose appropriately during tests.

21) Life:
'Life' encompasses the daily activities and experiences of children. Assessment tools evaluate how well children can manage activities of daily living, which are crucial for their overall development and independence. Understanding children's capabilities can lead to better support and enhanced quality of life.

22) Mental disorder:
'Mental disorder' refers to conditions that affect a person's thinking, behavior, and emotional well-being. Understanding the impact of mental disorders on children with learning disabilities is essential for creating effective assessment tools aimed at measuring both cognitive and motor functioning in special education.

23) Catching (Catch, Catched):
'Catching' is a skill related to hand-eye coordination, often assessed to understand a child's fine and gross motor abilities. It is an important indicator of motor proficiency, especially for children experiencing developmental delays, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve this skill.

24) Hindi (Himdi):
'Hindi' refers to the language spoken primarily in India. In the context of assessment tools, ensuring that instruments are available in Hindi is important to facilitate understanding among non-English speaking populations, enhancing the accessibility and applicability of these tools in a culturally relevant manner.

25) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the dialogue or analysis of findings presented in the article. Engaging in discussion about assessment tools for children with learning disabilities is critical for refining practices, fostering collaboration among professionals, and determining future directions for research and tool development.

26) Sharika (Sarika):
'Sarika' likely refers to a contributor or individual relevant to the research or article discussed. Acknowledging contributors is vital to recognize the collective efforts in understanding and addressing specific learning disabilities through standardized assessment tools.

27) India:
'India' is referenced to contextualize the study within a specific cultural and geographical framework. It emphasizes the importance of considering local conditions and populations when evaluating and applying assessment tools for children with learning disabilities in a diverse educational landscape.

28) Birth:
'Birth' signifies the beginning of life and is crucial in discussions about developmental milestones and assessment. Assessment tools often consider age from birth to evaluate motor and functional skills, ensuring that children's progress is monitored from early development stages.

29) Pur:
'Poor' denotes the inadequacy or deficiency in skills or abilities that may be observed in children with specific learning disabilities. Identifying areas of poor performance through assessment tools allows educators and therapists to customize interventions to address specific needs and improve overall outcomes.

30) Chan:
'Chan' likely identifies a researcher or key contributor referenced in the article. Recognizing contributors is essential for understanding the context of the research and validating the significance of their work in developing effective assessment tools for children.

31) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
'Transformed' refers to the significant changes or adaptations made to tools or methodologies based on research findings. In the context of assessment, transforming tools ensures they remain relevant, effective, and applicable in measuring children's motor and functional abilities across different contexts.

32) Observation:
'Observation' refers to the process of assessing a child's skills through direct viewing and measurement of their actions during tasks. It is a crucial component of assessment tools, providing insights into a child's abilities and informing tailored interventions to support their development.

33) Dressing:
'Dressing' refers to the ability to put on and take off clothing, which is a functional skill assessed in children. Mastery of dressing skills is indicative of developmental progress and independence, highlighting the importance of evaluating this skill in children with learning disabilities.

34) Teaching:
'Teaching' encompasses the instructional processes through which educators impart knowledge and skills to students. The effectiveness of teaching strategies is enhanced by utilizing standardized assessment tools to identify student needs, tailor interventions, and foster academic and motor skill development in children.

35) Writing:
'Writing' pertains to the act of composing text and is an important academic skill for children. For those with learning disabilities, assessing writing abilities is essential for understanding literacy levels, fostering improvement, and ensuring that educational practices meet their specific needs.

36) Cutting:
'Cutting' refers to the fine motor skill of using scissors to manipulate materials. It is a critical component of early childhood development and is often assessed to determine a child's motor proficiency and readiness for school-related tasks and activities.

37) Science (Scientific):
'Science' signifies the systematic knowledge or practice derived from research and experimentation. In the context of educational assessments, evidence-based approaches grounded in scientific principles enhance the understanding and effectiveness of standardized tools used to evaluate children's motor and functional skills.

38) Family:
'Family' refers not only to the immediate relatives of a child but also serves as an essential support system for their development and learning. Including family perspectives and involvement in assessments can foster collaboration between parents and professionals, leading to improved outcomes for children with disabilities.

39) Reason:
'Reason' denotes the basis or rationale behind actions or conclusions drawn from assessment results. Understanding the reasons that underlie a child's performance on standardized tools helps practitioners develop effective interventions tailored to the child's unique requirements and circumstances.

40) Dealer:
'Dealer' typically refers to a seller or distributor, particularly concerning assessment tools that require purchase. In the context of the article, the availability and accessibility of reliable assessment tools are crucial for professionals working with children and may hinder effective practice if not easily obtainable.

41) Filling (Filled):
'Filled' may refer to the completion of forms or assessments that gather information regarding a child's abilities. Accurate, filled-out assessments are critical for understanding performance and guiding appropriate interventions tailored to the child's needs and strengths.

42) Tamil:
'Tamil' signifies another language relevant to the Indian context. Ensuring that assessment tools are available in Tamil is vital to aid comprehension among Tamil-speaking populations, thereby improving accessibility and cultural relevance of the tools in measuring children's functional abilities.

43) Agra:
'Agra' is a city in India that may relate to specific cultural demographics or research contexts within the article. Recognizing regional settings is important for ensuring assessments are designed appropriately to cater to local populations and their unique needs.

44) Ovid:
'Ovid' likely pertains to a database or resource utilized to gather literature for the study. Access to extensive research platforms such as Ovid is crucial in compiling relevant information that informs the development and evaluation of assessment tools for children with learning disabilities.

45) Post:
'Post' can refer to the follow-up actions or evaluations conducted after initial assessments. In the context of using assessment tools, it signifies the ongoing monitoring and support processes that are necessary to address the needs identified in children with specific learning disabilities.

Other Science Concepts:

[back to top]

Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Assessment of Movement in Children with Learning Disabilities: A Review’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Physical exercise, Child, Reliability and validity, Daily activities, Cultural context, Mobility, Dynamic balance, Verbal instruction, Static balance, Cognitive skills, Rating Scale, Standardized tool, Test-retest reliability, Empirical studies, Developmental delay, Occupational Therapy, Psychometric properties, Content validity, Motor coordination, Inter-rater reliability, Learning disability, Activities of Daily Living, Motor impairment, Physical therapy, Adaptive Behavior, Neurodevelopmental disorder, Learning Disabilities, School-aged children, Developmental disabilities, Fine motor skills, Assessment tool, Internal Consistency, Clinical setting, Occupational Therapist, Scoring system, Functional mobility, Functional performance, Pediatric Balance Scale, Learning disorder, Longitudinal analysis, Health professional, Special education, Movement assessment, Primary goal, Daily living skills, Manual dexterity, Target population, Motor skills, Test duration, Test administration, Special educators, Children with disabilities.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Tul, English language, Special feature, Function.

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Help to become even better: