During the assessment of an infant with developmental disabilities, what should the therapist prioritize?

Prioritizing the building of rapport with the family is essential during the assessment of an infant with developmental disabilities for several reasons. First and foremost, the family is a crucial source of information about the child’s history, environment, and behaviors, which can provide valuable context for the therapist. When a therapist establishes a trusting relationship with the family, it enhances communication, encourages the sharing of concerns, and allows the caregiver to feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues regarding their child's development.

Moreover, family involvement is vital in the early intervention process. A strong rapport can lead to better collaboration, ensuring that the family's insights and goals are incorporated into the therapy. This partnership is beneficial not only for assessment purposes but also for encouraging family engagement in intervention strategies, which is key to supporting the child's development effectively.

In the context of early intervention, proactive communication with the family helps to align expectations and creates a supportive environment for the infant’s development. It helps to set the foundation for ongoing collaboration throughout the therapeutic process. Other components like assessing physical milestones, providing immediate interventions, and establishing a long-term therapy plan are important as well but may follow after building that vital relationship with the family to ensure that interventions are tailored to the family’s needs and the child’s unique context.