Early intervention and developmental care planning — formative SAQs

SAQ 1 (10 marks)

A 24-month-old with speech delay and emerging social-communication concerns. Caregivers want a genetic label first. Temporary housing; prior missed appointments. [1] [2]

1. List four urgent red flags that would bypass a routine EI queue. (2) [3] [5]
2. Outline a parallel plan for the next 2 weeks including sensory checks and supports. (4) [1] [2] [5]
3. Write two family-centred goals and name plan ownership elements. (2) [4]
4. State two equity redesign actions for temporary housing. (2) [6]

Model answer — SAQ 1

Red flags (2): regression; epileptic encephalopathy/spasms features; safeguarding/severe neglect; unsafe caregiver mental health / acute neurological signs (any four correctly stated). [3] [5]

Parallel plan (4): hearing and vision pathways; medical-home developmental assessment; EI/allied health referral now; parent coaching while diagnostics (including genetics if indicated) run; safety-net contact and review date. [1] [2] [5]

Goals/ownership (2): e.g. “uses two signs/words for wants at meals”; “joins 5 minutes of joint play daily”; key worker + medical home owner + review date. [4]

Equity (2): flexible outreach/text calls; transport support; co-located appointments; interpreter if needed; do not close as declined after missed calls without re-engagement. [6]

SAQ 2 (10 marks)

Ex-28-week infant at 10 months corrected with motor delay; family asks if early intervention “is proven.” [3] [8]

1. Explain why earlier CP-risk recognition changes care. (3) [3]
2. Summarise what Cochrane-type evidence says about post-discharge developmental programmes after preterm birth—without overclaiming. (3) [8]
3. List four components of a developmental care plan for this infant. (4) [2] [4]

Model answer — SAQ 2

Earlier CP-risk care (3): earlier accurate diagnosis enables earlier targeted motor intervention and family support rather than waiting for late walking failure. [3]

Cochrane evidence (3): systematic reviews of early developmental programmes after hospital discharge in preterm infants evaluate motor/cognitive outcomes; benefits are real-world and outcome-specific—not a promise of reversing all injury. [8]

Care plan components (4): functional problem list; family goals; EI/physio/OT package; hearing/vision; medical follow-up; key worker; home practice; review date; escalation criteria (any four well-specified). [2] [4]