What is the purpose of adjusted age in determining a child's development?

The purpose of adjusted age in determining a child's development is to account for premature births in development assessment. When a child is born prematurely, they may not reach developmental milestones at the same time as their full-term peers, as they may need additional time to catch up. Adjusted age allows professionals to evaluate a child's development based on their due date rather than their actual birth date. This practice ensures that assessments are fair and take into consideration the time the child missed in the womb, which is critical for understanding their developmental trajectory.

By using adjusted age, practitioners can more accurately assess whether a child is meeting developmental milestones in a way that aligns with their expected growth trajectory, considering the impact of being born early. This method enhances the accuracy of developmental evaluations and enables more tailored support for children who may need it.