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What is CLAMS for Kids?

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Summary

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CLAMS is a test that looks at how young kids talk, think, and move their eyes and hands together. It helps adults see if a child might be behind in development compared to other kids their age.

Frequently Asked Question

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Who should administer the CLAMS assessment?

CLAMS should be administered by trained professionals such as pediatricians, educators, or speech-language pathologists who are skilled in working with children and understand the nuances of developmental evaluation.

What age group is CLAMS designed for?

CLAMS is tailored for children from early childhood through elementary school. It includes age-appropriate tasks that assess developmental milestones specific to each age group.

How is the CLAMS assessment conducted?

The CLAMS assessment involves a series of structured tasks and observations that measure a child’s abilities in five key areas. It uses engaging activities to ensure children remain motivated and comfortable throughout the evaluation process.

What do the results of a CLAMS assessment indicate?

The results of the CLAMS assessment provide a comprehensive profile of a child’s developmental strengths and challenges. These insights can guide educators, therapists, and parents in creating targeted interventions to support the child’s growth.

Scientific Definition

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The Clinical Linguistic and Auditory Milestone Scale (CLAMS) is a standardized assessment tool used to evaluate infants and toddlers’ language, cognitive, and visual-motor skills up to 36 months of age. This test is designed to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities in young children, allowing for early intervention and support. Pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, and other healthcare professionals widely use CLAMS to assess a child’s development in comparison to established norms.

 

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Real World Example of CLAMS

Liam, a 24-month-old boy, visits his pediatrician for a routine checkup. The doctor decides to administer the CLAMS test to assess Liam’s development. Here’s how the test unfolds:

  • Language skills: The pediatrician observes Liam’s ability to understand and use words, follow simple instructions, and engage in basic conversation.
  • Problem-solving: Liam is presented with age-appropriate puzzles and tasks to evaluate his cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
  • Visual-motor coordination: The doctor assesses Liam’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills through activities like stacking blocks or scribbling with a crayon.

After completing the CLAMS test, the pediatrician discusses the results with Liam’s parents, highlighting areas where he is thriving and identifying any potential concerns that may require further evaluation or support.

How Does CLAMS Work?

The CLAMS test is a valuable tool for assessing child development and identifying potential delays or disabilities. Here are some key points about how CLAMS is used:

Feature Description
Administered by professionals CLAMS is typically administered by pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, or other trained healthcare professionals.
Age-specific tasks The test includes a series of age-appropriate tasks and activities designed to evaluate a child’s skills in language, problem-solving, and visual-motor coordination.
Standardized scoring CLAMS results are compared to established norms for each age group, allowing professionals to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities.

By using CLAMS, healthcare professionals can identify children who may benefit from early intervention services, helping them reach their full potential and supporting their overall development.

 

This post was originally published on August 29, 2023. It was updated on April 23, 2024.