Abstract:

Introduction:
Developmental delay in children shows higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders, which may lead to increased need for supportive care and to specific approach at school (Brown K., 2016). Children with developmental delay are often identified as children with learning disorders (32,3%) and speech disorders (29,4%) (Soheir et al., 2017) and it is important to provide them with targeted care before entering educational system (Mackrides, Ryherd, 2011).

Objectives:
This observatory study aims at findings related to actual representation of children with potential developmental risk through screening of psychomotor development S-PMV (©Fond prof. K. Matulaya n.f., 2016), to emphasize the need for early detection of developmental risk as prediction of potential neurodevelopmental disorders recognized through development screening S-PMV and to clarify possible prevention of its later negative effect on academic success. Prevalence of predictors of developmental risks in the Slovak Republic in 2021 may be a relevant data source for professionals when planning interventions. We also present required research activities focused on verification of psychomotor features S-PMV.

Methodology:
Design and tools: The observatory quantitative study has been focused on description of the current prevalence of potential developmental risks in a representative group of children at early age (1 month to 44 months) in ten screenings of psychomotor development, which altogether form the tool S-PMV. Three ranges correspond to the standard range, border area and risk area are discussed.
Sample: In 2021, the screenings of psychomotor development have been filled in by 64 028 assessors of development (mother, father, other) in children at age 1 month up to 44 months. It is a representative group of children in pediatric care.

Data processing:
The data were acquired online through cooperation with pediatricians via pediatric portal “Health of a child” and anonymously shared to databases (©Fond prof. K. Matulaya n.f., 2016). Subsequently, the number of participants were evaluated, percentage of children in specific ranges for each screening.

Outcomes:
In 2021, considering all screenings, 55 521 children (87%) were evaluated in standard range, 6 929 (11%) children in the border area and 1 578 (2%) children in the risk area with the need for subsequent health care. The standard range within S-PMV9 was identified in approximately 53% of children, which offers a space of research procedures and assessment of psychomotor indicators of screenings.

Discussion and conclusion:
Targeted and valid detection of children with possible need for subsequent complex care, which is provided in cooperation with various specialists, pediatricians, psychologists, parents, pedagogists and other professionals, serves as a protection for area of further physical and psychological development and has potential to improve the quality of a child's life (Johnson, Rosenthal, 2009) and favourably affects also child's academic success. Findings suggest that it is necessary to continuously discover the prevalence of possible developmental disorders and constantly reassess practical use of development screenings, since it enables us to identify potential risks of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Keywords:

Developmental screening, developmental delay, psychomotor development.