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standard evaluation methods
Evaluation methods vary depending on the age of the person being evaluated, the discipline of the evaluator, and the concerns and needs of the child and family. Standardized evaluation tools are often used and are helpful in determining how a child might do in a particular setting, compared with other children of the same age. These tools are developed based on the performance of typically developing children. They are carefully administered in the same way to every child so as to increase their objectivity.
Norm-referenced tests determine the range of performance
of a child in a particular area and provide standard scores that
can be compared across tests. Another kind of tool is the criterion-referenced
test, which is more similar to a checklist. Missed items
can then be included in a treatment plan. Play-based assessments,
which use observation and interactions during play to determine
a child's functioning levels. Other kinds of evaluation tools include
parent-child observations and teacher-child
observations. Parental input, via interview or questionnaire,
to gain information about the child's medical, social, family and
developmental history, as well the noting of parental concerns and
assessment of the child's strengths and weaknesses, are essential
parts of any evaluation. Evaluations of children between the ages
of birth and five are often referred to as developmental evaluations.
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Disabilities 
