Developmental Assessment (DSO)
Mariani and Associates

What is a Developmental Assessment?

Developmental Assessment

A Developmental Assessment helps clarify a child or adolescent’s strengths, challenges, and overall developmental profile. These assessments explore key areas such as communication, social interaction, emotional development, behaviour, learning, motor skills, and daily living abilities.


They are often used to understand developmental delays, early learning needs, giftedness, behavioural concerns, or differences in social communication.


Our goal is to provide families with clear, practical recommendations that support growth at home, at school, and in the community.

Who is it for?

Who a Developmental Assessment Is For

A Developmental Assessment may be helpful if you or your child’s school or healthcare provider has noticed:


  • Delays in speech or language
  • Challenges with social interaction or play
  • Emotional or behavioural difficulties
  • Delays in motor skills or coordination
  • Difficulty with routines or daily living skills
  • Concerns about attention, learning, or early academic readiness
  • Signs of giftedness or advanced development
  • Differences in social communication
  • Uncertainty about whether concerns are developmental, behavioural, or learning‑related
  • Assessments are available for children and adolescents.
Child in a yellow dress covering one eye while sitting at a table in a bright classroom

What does it include?

What a Developmental Assessment Includes

Our clinicians use a combination of standardized tools, interviews, and observations to build a clear picture of your child’s developmental profile.

A typical assessment may include:


1. Parent/Caregiver Interview

A detailed developmental history, including early milestones, behaviour, learning, and daily functioning.

2. Review of Relevant Documents

Report cards, IEPs, medical reports, teacher comments, or previous assessments (if available).

3. Direct Assessment

  • Standardized measures assessing:
  • Cognitive development
  • Language and communication
  • Social interaction
  • Emotional development
  • Behavioural functioning
  • Motor skills
  • Adaptive/daily living skills

4. Behavioural Observations

Understanding how your child engages, communicates, and responds during structured and unstructured tasks.

5. Teacher/School Input (if applicable)

Optional questionnaires or communication with educators to understand functioning in the school environment.

6. Comprehensive Report

  • A detailed, easy‑to‑understand report outlining:
  • Assessment results
  • Your child’s strengths
  • Areas of need
  • Diagnostic impressions (if applicable)
  • Evidence‑based recommendations for home, school, and community settings

7. Feedback Session

A meeting to review results, answer questions, and discuss next steps.

What a Developmental Assessment Can Help Clarify

A Developmental Assessment may help identify:

  • Developmental delays
  • Early learning needs
  • Giftedness or advanced development
  • Behavioural or emotional concerns
  • Social communication differences
  • Adaptive functioning challenges
  • Early indicators of neurodevelopmental conditions


Whether further assessment (e.g., ASD, ADHD, psychoeducational) is recommended

This assessment does not diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD on its own, but it can indicate whether additional assessment is appropriate.

What to Expect

1. Intake & Scheduling

After submitting the Get Started form, our team will contact you to gather information and schedule appointments.

2. Assessment Sessions

Your child will attend one or more sessions depending on age, attention, and assessment needs.

3. Parent/Caregiver Interview

This may occur before or after the child’s testing sessions.

4. Report Preparation

Our clinicians review all data and prepare a comprehensive report.

5. Feedback Session

We meet with you to discuss results, answer questions, and provide recommendations.

Person in red sweater taking notes while another person reclines in a black chair in a bright office.

How to Prepare

Ensure your child is well‑rested and has eaten before the appointment.

Bring glasses, hearing aids, or other supports if needed.

Bring any relevant documents (IEPs, report cards, medical notes).

Let your child know they will be doing activities, puzzles, and tasks — there are no “right or wrong” answers.

Person writing on a form at a white desk with a red pen, in an office-like room.

How results help

How Results Can Help

A Developmental Assessment can support:


  • School planning and accommodations
  • Early intervention services
  • Speech‑language or occupational therapy referrals
  • Behavioural strategies at home
  • Understanding your child’s learning style
  • Access to community supports
  • Clarifying whether further assessment is needed


Families often tell us that the assessment helps them better understand their child and feel more confident in supporting their development.

Our Approach

At Mariani and Associates, we take a warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive approach to developmental assessment.

We work closely with families, educators, and healthcare providers to ensure recommendations are practical, meaningful, and tailored to your child’s needs.

Our Approach

If you have concerns about your child’s development or want clarity about their strengths and needs, we’re here to help.

Outline of a head with a puzzle inside.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Reaching out is the first step toward lasting change. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, Dr. Mariani is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment and begin your journey toward greater clarity, balance, and well-being.