Signs Your Child May Need a Neurodevelopmental Evaluation

Is Your Child Struggling More Than Their Peers? Here’s What to Watch For

As parents, we all want to see our children thrive. But what happens when they seem to be struggling more than their peers? Whether it's difficulty focusing in school, challenges with social interactions, or delays in speech and motor skills, these can be signs of an underlying neurodevelopmental condition.

At Grounded Roots Family Development Center, we specialize in comprehensive psychological evaluations to assess conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette’s. Early identification can be life-changing, providing the right support for your child to reach their full potential.

Key Signs Your Child May Benefit from an Evaluation

1. Difficulty Paying Attention or Staying on Task

  • Frequently distracted, forgetful, or struggles to complete tasks

  • Constantly moving or fidgeting beyond typical age expectations

  • Impulsive behavior (blurting out answers, trouble waiting their turn)

2. Social Challenges and Trouble with Peer Relationships

  • Struggles to understand social cues, emotions, or personal space

  • Has difficulty forming friendships or prefers solitary play

  • Becomes overwhelmed in social situations or avoids them altogether

3. Delayed Speech, Language, or Motor Skills

  • Limited vocabulary for their age or difficulty forming sentences

  • Struggles with handwriting, coordination, or tying shoes

  • Appears clumsy or avoids physical activities due to motor skill challenges

4. Frequent Tantrums, Emotional Outbursts, or Anxiety

  • Meltdowns that seem more intense or frequent than expected for their age

  • Difficulty coping with changes in routine

  • Shows extreme anxiety over everyday activities

5. Struggles with Reading, Writing, or Learning New Concepts

  • Difficulty recognizing letters, mixing up words, or reading below grade level

  • Trouble with spelling, understanding math concepts, or remembering instructions

  • Avoids reading or complains about words “moving” on the page

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Research consistently shows that early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early autism intervention can significantly improve communication and social skills. Similarly, evidence-based ADHD interventions can improve focus, emotional regulation, and school success.

At Grounded Roots Family Development Center, we use research-driven assessment tools to provide clear, evidence-based diagnoses. Our goal is to help parents understand their child’s strengths and challenges while developing personalized intervention plans.

Next Steps: How to Get an Evaluation

If any of these signs resonate with you, don’t wait. The earlier a child receives support, the better their long-term success. Contact Grounded Roots Family Development Center today to schedule a consultation. We offer in-person evaluations in Abilene, TX, and virtual services throughout Texas. Contact us here!

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Debunking Common Myths About Tourette Syndrome

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What Parents Need to Know About Giftedness and Twice-Exceptional (2e) Children