Development of an Instrument for the Early Detection of Intellectual Retardation in Children: A Comprehensive Approach for Parents

Abstract

This research aims to develop an instrument for the early detection of intellectual delay in children that can be used practically by parents. The instrument is designed to evaluate various aspects of a child's development, including communication, adaptive and maladaptive behavior, flexibility, imagination, pre-academic abilities, independence, motor, and sensory. The process of developing this instrument involves Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with experts and caregivers of children with special needs, as well as research methods that include observation, commands, and direct interviews to obtain comprehensive input. Through this stage of development, the instrument has experienced a significant improvement from initially only measuring 8 main variables to 9 main variables, with the addition of more detailed and in-depth assessment items. This addition reflects the need to monitor various dimensions of child development in a more holistic and detailed way. The results of this study show that the developed instrument not only increases the number of variables measured but also improves the quality and accuracy of assessment. This instrument is designed to make it easier for parents to detect children's developmental delays early, allowing intervention actions to be carried out more quickly and effectively. With this tool, it is hoped that parents can make a more precise evaluation of their child's development and identify specific and appropriate intervention needs. In conclusion, this instrument offers a practical and comprehensive solution to detect developmental delays in children, support the early detection process, and encourage more precise and targeted treatment. This research makes an important contribution to the development of early detection tools that can improve the quality of handling and support for children with special needs.