The Prechtl’s General Movements Assessment (GMA) is an internationally recognised method for assessing neurological function in both preterm and term infants, including babies cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as well as infants following discharge into the community.

GMA evaluates the quality of an infant’s spontaneous movements from early life through to the development of fidgety movements (typically around 3–5 months corrected age). These movement patterns provide important information about how the nervous system is developing and can help identify infants who may be at higher risk of neurodevelopmental conditions, including cerebral palsy.

In preterm and medically complex infants, GMA can be performed while the baby is still in hospital (including NICU or special care nursery) or soon after discharge, providing valuable early insight during a critical period of brain development. This makes it a key part of early developmental surveillance for infants born prematurely or with medical complications.

You can read more about early development and follow-up for premature babies here: [Prematurity and Early Development → insert link to prematurity page]

GMA is a short video-based assessment of your baby’s spontaneous movements while lying on their back in a calm, alert state. It does not require any handling or stimulation. Following the assessment, parents/caregivers are provided clear feedback, early developmental guidance, and recommendations for intervention or ongoing monitoring where appropriate, including referral pathways and support such as NDIS if indicated.

Early identification → Early diagnosis → Early intervention → Improved developmental outcomes

The Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) is a standardised assessment used for infants between 2 and 24 months of age to evaluate neurological development.

It looks at areas such as:

• Muscle tone

• Reflexes

• Posture

• Movement patterns

• Behaviour and responses

The HINE is widely used to help identify infants who may be at higher risk of neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy. It provides valuable information to guide early intervention and ongoing monitoring of development.

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is an observational assessment used to evaluate gross motor development in infants from birth to independent walking.

It assesses how a baby moves and develops motor skills in different positions, including:

• Lying on their tummy

• Lying on their back

• Sitting

• Standing

The AIMS helps to identify whether an infant’s motor development is on track or delayed, and supports early identification of infants who may benefit from physiotherapy.

Motor Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-3)

The Motor Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-3) is a standardised assessment used for children aged 3 to 16 years to evaluate motor skills and coordination.

It looks at areas such as:

• Manual dexterity (hand skills)

• Ball skills (throwing and catching)

• Balance and coordination

The MABC-3 is commonly used to assess children with coordination difficulties, including those with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). It helps guide therapy planning and supports access to appropriate interventions and services.

The Motor Assessment Battery for Children, or MABC-3, is a standardised assessment used for children aged 3 to 16 years.

It assesses motor skills and coordination across areas such as:

• hand skills and manual dexterity

• ball skills, including throwing and catching

• balance and coordination

The MABC-3 is commonly used when children are having difficulty with everyday movement tasks, including playground skills, sport, balance, coordination, dressing, handwriting-related tasks or participation in physical activities.

It may form part of an assessment for children with suspected Developmental Coordination Disorder, also known as DCD.

At Lumi Kids, the MABC-3 is used alongside family discussion, clinical observation and functional assessment. This helps ensure the assessment is not only about a score, but about understanding how movement challenges are affecting your child at home, childcare, kindergarten, school or in the community.

Some infant developmental assessments can be completed via telehealth, including the Alberta Infant Motor Scale in appropriate situations.

Telehealth developmental assessments may be useful for:

• families living in regional or remote areas

• families seeking a second opinion

• babies who are more comfortable being assessed at home

• families who are unable to attend an in-person appointment

• early developmental questions that can be explored through observation and parent discussion

During a telehealth assessment, Moira may observe your baby’s movement, ask questions about development and daily routines, and guide you through positioning or play activities where appropriate.

If an in-person assessment, medical review or referral to another health professional is recommended, this will be discussed clearly.