KARACHI, Feb 21: Informal assessment of the neurodevelopmental status of infants and children was recommended as part of medical checkups.

Dr Yasmeen Akbani, a senior paediatrician, maintains that an evaluation of the child’s developmental milestones may demonstrate the presence of a delay in motor skills, social skills and also speech and hearing.

“Only with such an assessment will the physician be sensitive to deviations indicating impairment or gross retardation,” she said adding that with that knowledge, he/she would also be able to talk parents and make further recommendations.

With reference to developmental milestones, the paediatrician said kids could be categorised into five different age groups and should act accordingly.

According to her, as a standard those aged between 6-8 weeks reflect slight head-lag, follow moving objects 180 degrees, smile and listen to voice.

Infants aged between 12-16 weeks have no head-lag, sit supported with straight back with head almost steady, hold objects in hand for a short time, turn head towards sound, watch mother while feeding.

Those falling between six months to eight months age group sit unsupported, roll from supine to prone. Hold rattle and transfer to other hand, respond to name and, held standing, can bear weight and bounce.

Babies aged nine months can sit up alone and indefinitely, without support, with back straight, walk holding on to furniture, crawl or creep, grasp objects with thumb and forefinger, understand, command and speak a few recognizable words and respond to name.

Those aged 12 months can walk with one hand held, rise independently, pick up pellet thumb and forefinger. Play simple ball games.

Emphasising the importance of routine immunization of children from birth to five years, as recommended by the WHO Dr Akbani said that paediatricians must understand the benefits and risks of all vaccines and inform parents about them.—APP