Monday, 7 July 2025

Components of Case History in ECSE

In the context of Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)—especially when supporting children with Intellectual Disability (ID)—a well-structured case history provides essential information for assessment, individualized planning (IEP/IFSP), and ongoing intervention.

Here are the core components of a Case History:

1. Identifying Information

  • Child’s full name

  • Date of birth and age (chronological and developmental)

  • Gender

  • Address and contact details

  • Language(s) spoken at home

  • School/center details (if applicable)

2. Referral Information

  • Who referred the child (parent, doctor, anganwadi worker, teacher)

  • Date and reason for referral

  • Presenting concerns (e.g., speech delay, behavioral issues, developmental delay)

3. Family Details

  • Family composition (parents, siblings, caregivers)

  • Education and occupation of parents

  • Socioeconomic status

  • Any family history of disability or mental health concerns

4. Prenatal, Perinatal, and Postnatal History

  • Prenatal: maternal health, infections, medications, stress, nutrition, alcohol or substance exposure

  • Perinatal: type of delivery, gestational age, birth weight, APGAR score, NICU admission

  • Postnatal: milestones, feeding, immunization, neonatal illnesses (e.g., jaundice, seizures)

5. Developmental Milestones

  • Age of achieving:

    • Gross motor (sitting, walking)

    • Fine motor (grasp, hand use)

    • Language (babbling, first words)

    • Cognitive and play behaviors

    • Social-emotional skills (smiling, response to name)

  • Any regression of milestones

6. Medical History

  • Current or past illnesses (e.g., epilepsy, recurrent fevers)

  • Hospitalizations or surgeries

  • Medications (ongoing or discontinued)

  • Vision and hearing check-ups

7. Educational History (if applicable)

  • Early intervention services

  • Preschool or day-care experience

  • Performance in group settings

  • Special services received (speech therapy, OT, physiotherapy)

8. Social and Behavioral Observations

  • Interaction with peers and adults

  • Play patterns (parallel, associative, imaginative)

  • Temperament

  • Challenging behaviours (if any)

9. Communication Profile

10. Functional Skills / Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

  • Toileting

  • Eating and feeding

  • Dressing

  • Sleep patterns

  • Self-help abilities

11. Strengths and Interests

  • What does the child enjoy?

  • What motivates the child?

  • Specific talents (e.g., music, puzzles)

12. Parent/Caregiver Concerns and Expectations

  • Parent’s understanding of the child's condition

  • Family’s goals for the child

  • Cultural beliefs or practices influencing intervention

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