The authors describe their experience with Gesell's developmental scale in a residential observation center for disturbed andlor retarded children, 'Nieuw Herlaer'.
By comparing the subscores on the four behavioral categories (motor development, adaptive behavior, language behavior, personal-social behavior) the authors were able to confirm the finding, reported by others, that the verbal development of ten shows a specific backwardness. They also found indications that the discrepancy between verbal and nonverbal capacities is correlated to the degree of developmental retardation.
Repeated measurement of the developmental level makes it possible to determine improvement, acceleration or catch-up. By this procedure the clinical course may be graphically illustrated.
The authors have found that the acceleration-score is a better prognostic indicator than men tal age or developmental quotient.