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Early Motor Screening

We conduct initial motor assessments, which help determine whether an infant needs a more thorough assessment for possible motor development challenges.
About

What do we do?

The Early Motor Screening Program is a provincial selective screening program that aims to identify babies who may develop motor conditions. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist conducts an assessment called “General Movements Assessment” (GMA). General Movements are movement patterns that can be observed during a specific time in a baby’s development. They provide information on how the baby’s central nervous system is developing and are predictive of later motor conditions. The clinician reviews and scores the general movements shown in a video of your baby. The video can be recorded at home. It is a quick, simple, standard assessment but it must be done during a specific time in your baby’s development.

We accept babies in BC who meet the program's intake criteria. A referral from a doctor is needed.

How do we book your appointment?

You will receive a letter that confirms we have received a referral to assess your baby. The best date for GMA is different for every baby due to the baby’s gestational age. When your baby’s GMA date approaches, the booking clerk will call to confirm your information and ask for your consent.

Assessment

Video recording at home

  1. The booking clerk will provide the assessment date range and email you step-by-step instructions explaining how to record and upload the video to the secure web link. 

  2. Record a 2 to 5 minute video of your baby on any day during the given dates and upload the video to the secure web link according to the instructions. If you cannot record or upload the video, consider asking a family member, friend or the booking clerk for technical support. 

  3. Once received, the clinician will score the video. If needed, the booking clerk will arrange a zoom or phone appointment to discuss the results and next steps. Your baby does not need to attend the zoom or phone appointment. The clinician will make appropriate referrals or recommend an appointment with the Developmental Pediatrician for more assessments.

Technical support

If you are unable to have someone help record or upload the video, please contact the booking clerk. We can schedule an in-person appointment to record your baby’s movements at Sunny Hill Health Centre, BC’s Children Hospital or make other arrangements if needed.

The in-person video recording appointment takes around 15 to 30 minutes. For video recording, your baby must be awake, calm and alert. Ensure your baby is fed, changed and comfortable for the appointment. 

Once recorded, the clinician will score the video. If needed, the booking clerk will arrange a zoom or phone appointment to discuss the results and next steps. Your baby does not need to attend the zoom or phone appointment.

About the secure file sharing platform 

We use Sync, a secure file sharing platform which protects the privacy of your video. The video will be saved to a secure location and deleted from the platform. We do not accept videos sent by email or other platforms.



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SOURCE: Early Motor Screening ( )
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