What could potentially happen if a child feels stressed during the MoCA Early Childhood assessment?

When children experience stress during assessments like the MoCA Early Childhood assessment, it can significantly hinder their ability to perform at their best. Stress can lead to distraction, anxiety, and a lack of focus, which can negatively impact their responses to various tasks. This decline in performance occurs because the cognitive resources needed for recalling information, processing tasks, and exhibiting skill can become compromised under pressure.

Children under stress may struggle with problem-solving and may not be able to articulate their knowledge or skills effectively. Unlike an environment that fosters comfort and ease, stress can lead to a mental state that detracts from an accurate representation of the child's capabilities. Thus, acknowledging the impact of stress on performance is crucial for accurately interpreting assessment results.