⇒ assess gait
let the child walk normally
observe the child walking in a straight line [tandem gait]
perform Romberg test; the student should let the child stand with feet close together and assess balance first with his eyes open and then closed
⇒ examination for eyes
inspect for nystagmus at rest
ask the child to follow a pen in all directions [pursuit eye movement] and see if nystagmus develops on movement
⇒ tests for coordination
finger to nose test or heel to chin [test, correct interpretation; no dysmetria/overshooting/tremor, bilaterally on right and left]
⇒ test for dysdiadochokinesia
perform rapid alternating movement
⇒ test speech
should talk with the child and see if there was monotonous speech
Down syndrome / trisomy 21
—> head circumference
—> low set ears
—> anterior fontanel exam
—> hands for simian crease
—> feet for space between toes