What questions should be asked to an 8-year-old girl and her mother to obtain a detailed developmental history?

Developmental History Questions for an 8-Year-Old Girl

When obtaining a developmental history from an 8-year-old girl and her mother, structure your interview around key developmental domains, family functioning, and environmental factors, using both direct observation and targeted questioning to identify any concerns that may impact the child's development and well-being.

Questions to Ask the Mother

Prenatal and Birth History

• What was the gestational age at birth? 1
• Were there any complications during pregnancy or delivery? 1
• What was the birth weight? 1
• Was the newborn metabolic screen normal? 1

Early Developmental Milestones

• At what age did your daughter first sit without support, walk independently, and run? 1
• When did she first use single words and combine words into phrases? 1
• At what age did she achieve toilet training? 1
• Did she meet developmental milestones on time, early, or late? 1
• Is there anything your child used to be able to do that she can no longer do? (screens for regression) 2

Current Developmental Functioning

• Is there anything your child is not doing that you think she should be able to do? 2
• Is there anything your child is doing that you are concerned about? 2
• How does she perform academically compared to her peers? 1
• Can she copy shapes, draw a person with multiple body parts, and button clothing independently? 1
• Does she have any coordination or movement difficulties? 2

Medical History

• Has she had any serious illnesses, hospitalizations, or surgeries? 1
• Does she have any chronic medical conditions? 1
• Is she currently taking any medications? 1
• Has she experienced any injuries, falls, or unexplained bruising? 1
• Does she have any breathing problems, including snoring during sleep? 1

Behavioral and Emotional Functioning

• Has anything scary or concerning happened to you or your child since the last visit? (trauma screening) 2, 3
• Do you have concerns about her behavior at home or school? 4
• Do you have concerns about her social skills or ability to make friends? 4
• Does she have difficulty following rules or instructions? 1
• Have you noticed any repetitive behaviors or unusual interests? 1
• Does she have frequent tantrums, aggressive behaviors, or difficulty controlling emotions? 4, 5

Sleep Patterns

• How many hours does she sleep per night? 2
• Does she have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep? 2
• Does she snore, have pauses in breathing, or seem restless during sleep? 2
• Does she have nightmares or night terrors? 3

Nutrition and Growth

• What does a typical day of meals and snacks look like? 2
• Are there any food allergies or intolerances? 2
• Do you have concerns about her eating habits or weight? 2

School Performance

• What grade is she in, and how is she performing academically? 1
• Does she receive any special education services or accommodations? 1
• Have teachers expressed any concerns about her learning, behavior, or social interactions? 1, 4
• Does she complete homework independently or need significant help? 1

Family Structure and Functioning

• Who lives in your household? 1
• What is the legal status of the parents' relationship (married, divorced, separated, single)? 1
• Are there any recent changes in family structure, such as moves, remarriages, or separations? 1
• How does your family handle stress and solve problems together? 1
• Are there specific family stressors currently (financial difficulties, unemployment, illness)? 1

Parental and Family Mental Health History

• Do you or your partner have any diagnosed mental health conditions? 1
• Have you experienced depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns? 1
• Is there a family history of developmental delays, learning disabilities, or mental health disorders? 1
• Has there been any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or involvement with child protective services? 1

Environmental and Safety Factors

• Does anyone who provides care for your child smoke or use electronic cigarettes (vaping)? 6, 2
• Are there any concerns about housing conditions, including water damage or mold? 1, 6
• Is there exposure to toxic substances or drugs in the home? 1, 6
• Are firearms present in the home, and if so, are they stored safely? 2
• Does she wear a seatbelt consistently, and is she in an appropriate car seat or booster? 6

Social Support and Resources

• What support systems does your family have (extended family, friends, community)? 1, 6
• Do you have access to needed resources for your child's care? 1, 6
• How does your cultural or religious background influence your parenting? 1

Parenting Practices and Parent-Child Relationship

• How do you typically discipline your child when she misbehaves? 1, 2
• Do you and your partner agree on parenting approaches? 1
• How would you describe your relationship with your daughter? 1
• Do you feel your expectations of your child match her developmental abilities? 1

Screen Time and Media Exposure

• How much time does she spend on screens daily (TV, computer, tablets, phones)? 2
• Do you monitor the content she views? 2
• Does screen time interfere with sleep, physical activity, or family time? 2

Questions to Ask the Child Directly

General Well-Being

• How are things going at school? 1
• Who are your friends, and what do you like to do with them? 1
• What are your favorite activities or hobbies? 1

Emotional State

• Do you ever feel sad, worried, or scared? 3
• Has anything scary or concerning happened to you recently? 2, 3
• Do you have bad dreams or trouble sleeping? 3

School and Learning

• What is your favorite subject in school? 1
• Is there anything at school that is hard for you? 1
• Do you like your teacher? 1

Safety and Home Environment

• Do you feel safe at home and at school? 2, 3
• Is there anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or scared? 3

Physical Health

• Do you have any pain or discomfort anywhere in your body? 1
• Can you see and hear well? 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not rely solely on observable behaviors when assessing emotional or behavioral concerns, as most symptoms are internal and require direct questioning 3, 4
• Do not assume parents will volunteer concerns about trauma, abuse, or family dysfunction; these require direct, specific questioning 1, 3
• Do not overlook the child's own perspective; parents and teachers may underestimate a child's distress 3
• Avoid using medical jargon; ask questions in clear, simple language that parents can understand 2
• Do not skip questions about parental mental health and family functioning, as these significantly impact child development 1, 5
• Remember to ask about both current concerns and developmental regression, as loss of previously acquired skills is a critical red flag 2