Key Takeaways

• Child development encompasses a wide range of growth, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains, with developmentally appropriate milestones serving as general markers for typical milestones. Every child is different and will meet milestones on their own time, but knowing what to look for is important.

• Developmental screening is a short, standardized process that can help identify possible delays and is not a diagnostic test. In most states, it’s the first step in the process that helps identify whether a child needs additional evaluation or intervention.

• Addressing developmental concerns as early as possible is key to giving children what they need to thrive, and early screening and intervention can greatly improve long-term outcomes.

• Parents need to pay attention to their child’s development, listen to their gut, and talk to their healthcare provider if there is a concern. Notes on age-specific milestones or behaviors are useful in guiding these important discussions.

• Genetics, environment, nutrition, and access to resources all form an interdependent web that deeply affects development. That’s precisely why proactive check-ups and proactive parenting are so important.

• Strengthen your support network and learn about early intervention services for your child. Engage with your family from day one to support healthy long-term development for your child.

Losing important skills like social smiling and saying the first words by 1 1⁄2 years are worrisome. If a child frequently does not turn when called by their name, that’s a sign they should be screened. Social behavior issues, such as withdrawing or not wanting other people to get close, or difficulty concentrating are other behaviors that would be important to report.

These screenings provide a wealth of information and create the way for early intervention that can make all the difference. In this public guide, we’ll talk about the warning signs you should be aware of and how these valuable screenings can make a difference.

The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to make the right and best decisions for your child’s health!

What Is Typical Development?

Typical development is the term used to mean the standard skills for children that would be expected to develop within specific age ranges. Developmental milestones can vary widely from child to child.

Most kids smile reliably by two months, walk at 12 to 15 months, and speak in two-word phrases by two years old. Minor delays are okay; minor variations are natural. When there’s a substantial delay, that’s when you should start intervening.

For instance, if a toddler isn't pointing to objects by 18 months, this could indicate the need for a developmental screening. Resources such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire can help parents gain greater confidence about whether milestones are being achieved.

Why Track Developmental Milestones?

Following milestones helps to make sure all children are on the right path. Developmental milestone checklists, like those available from the CDC, provide busy parents a tangible resource to track their child’s progress.

That’s why the early identification of delays and intervention programs are so important to support children and families from birth to age three. For example, screening for autism spectrum disorder during 18- and 24-month checkups can help address concerns early and provide tailored support.

Factors Influencing Development

Child development is influenced by a wide variety of genetic, environmental, and social factors. Proper nutrition, healthcare and positive parenting make a huge difference too.

Lack of access to resources or socioeconomic factors further compounds these outcomes, demonstrating the importance of early, readily available systems of support.

What Is Developmental Screening?

Developmental screening is a brief test used to help determine if a child is at risk for or has developmental delays. It’s not a stand-alone diagnostic tool, rather the first step in identifying the need for further evaluation.

These screenings usually follow the format of standardized tests, observations and questionnaires administered by healthcare professionals as part of a child’s well-child visits. The developmental screening process allows you to determine where a child is about age-appropriate developmental milestones like talking, moving, and interacting with others.

Purpose Of Developmental Screening

The main goal of developmental screening is to catch delays or potential disabilities early, leading to better outcomes for children. Early identification means that intervention services, like speech therapy or specialized education programs, can be introduced sooner, helping children reach their full potential.

Developmental screenings help parents and caregivers better understand their children’s development and can more easily connect them with resources or specialists. For healthcare providers, these tools are essential for monitoring a child’s growth and development over time, ensuring no concerns go unnoticed.

Who Conducts Screenings?

Screenings are usually administered by pediatricians, child psychologists, or other trained medical professionals using standardized tools and questionnaires. This is why parents’ observations are so important.

They are able to provide invaluable information about a child’s behavior and skill development in a home setting. This collaborative approach gives everyone a more complete picture of the child’s development.

Screening VS. Evaluation

Unlike comprehensive evaluations, screenings are quick checks that flag potential issues. If a screening suggests delays, a formal evaluation involving specialists provides a detailed assessment and diagnosis.

Why Early Screening Matters

Early developmental screenings are the first step in making sure all children have the chance to reach their full potential. These screenings help identify developmental concerns during the foundational years, providing an opportunity to address challenges before they become significant.

Research shows only 20% to 30% of children with delays in development or behavior are identified prior to entering school. Consequently, these children fall short of receiving the immediate support crucial to their success. By focusing on early detection, parents can support their child's growth during critical periods, such as birth through 3 years of age, when skills like communication, social interaction, and motor abilities are rapidly developing.

Benefits Of Early Detection

When we identify a developmental delay early, children can receive timely, evidence-based intervention services that will help them develop foundational skills. Programs like early intervention services, available from birth to 36 months, guide children in meeting milestones they might otherwise miss.

Identifying and addressing concerns early helps children learn and engage with their peers more effectively, too. For example, a child with speech delays might struggle to communicate with peers, but with speech therapy, they can build confidence and connections.

Early screenings greatly reduce the likelihood of lasting difficulties. This prepares kids to deal with everyday situations and interact with their peers in a healthier way as they grow up.

Impact On Intervention Outcomes

Children who get the services they need at a young age are likely to make impressive improvements. Research consistently shows that early intervention leads to better educational and life outcomes.

The ASQ questionnaires, backed by 40 years of research, reliably identify delays. This ensures families have a place to go with their questions, concerns, and frustrations as they face and overcome challenges.

Supporting Long-Term Development

Further, ongoing monitoring should be prioritized, despite having passed the initial screening stage. As children age, their needs change, which can make it even more critical to update or swap out interventions.

Ongoing engagement with and support from families nurtures deeper growth, enabling children to flourish at home and in school.

Should You Be Worried? Signs Your Child May Need A Developmental Screening

Developmental milestones are important indicators that help mark your child’s development and progress. They aid you and your healthcare provider in tracking progress and identifying concerns that may arise. Just as every child is unique, each child grows and develops at their rate. Knowing these key warning signs can help you know when it’s time for a developmental screening.

Speech And Language Milestones

By age 12 months, the majority of children say a few basic words such as “mama” or “dada” and turn when their name is called. By the age of 2, they usually begin to speak in short, two-word sentences and can follow simple commands. If your child has a limited vocabulary, struggles to follow directions, or shows little interest in communicating, these could be signs of a delay.

Talking to them, reading to them, or even just describing what you’re doing during the day can all help their language skills flourish.

Motor Skill Development

Gross motor skills, like crawling or walking, and fine motor skills, such as picking up small objects, typically emerge between 6 months and 2 years. Inability to complete actions such as stacking blocks, using an utensil, or walking independently should prompt additional examination.

Activities such as outdoor play, coloring, or playing with blocks can further promote motor skills.

Social And Emotional Growth

Establishing connections and learning to regulate feelings are important developmental stages. By 3 years, kids typically love playing with other children and express many different feelings. Signs such as avoiding social engagement or being unable to cope with feelings could indicate delays.

Playdates or group activities can help develop these skills.

Cognitive Development Indicators

The ability to problem-solve and be curious usually first emerges around ages 1-3 years. If your child has trouble with puzzles, start exposing them to matching games.

You can promote children’s exploration through engaging hands-on learning experiences.

Behavioral Red Flags

Intense tantrums, extreme withdrawal, or obsessive/repetitive behaviors can be signs of developmental issues. Observe patterns and document behaviors to discuss with professionals.

Recognizing Potential Developmental Delays

Developmental delays refer to significant lags in reaching common milestones, such as walking, talking, or social interactions, compared to peers of the same age. They can have many causes such as underlying genetic conditions, prematurity, or exposure to environmental toxins. Currently, 1 in 6 children in the U.S. Experiences developmental delays or disabilities.

This statistic is a powerful reminder of the importance of observing your child’s development and behavior to stay alert for any red flags. Identifying these developmental delays as early as possible can help mitigate the effects, ensuring better long-term outcomes with early intervention.

What Are Common Types Of Delays?

Developmental delays usually are identified in areas including speech and language development, motor skills development, and social-emotional development. Speech delays might look like difficulty putting together speech sounds or processing or comprehending language. Conversely, motor delays may include difficulty with crawling or picking up things.

Social-emotional delays might look like having trouble playing with or learning from others or controlling emotions. Many children have more than one delay, highlighting the importance of tracking progress in all developmental domains. For instance, a child not smiling by 6 months or struggling to crawl by 12 months might benefit from an evaluation.

Early intervention services like speech or occupational therapy can focus on these challenges and help children make progress in targeted areas.

Global Developmental Delay Explained

Global developmental delay is used to signal major delays across several domains of development that may need further in-depth evaluations. These delays can have negative repercussions on learning, mobility, and social interactions, compromising a child’s quality of life in many ways.

For children with global delays, specialists create customized intervention strategies. They integrate therapies, including PT and ST, to address each child’s needs.

Delay Vs. Variation: What’s The Difference?

It’s important to know the difference between developmental delays and typical development. A delay means an important lag, while a variation is within the normal variation. For example, walking at 14 months is normal, but not attempting to stand by 18 months might signal a delay.

Choosing to consult experienced professionals makes the process more clear and leads to effective support sooner.

When To Seek Professional Advice

Knowing when to reach out for professional advice on your child’s development can help you find important answers and peace of mind. Discovering a child’s developmental cause for the delay as early as possible is vital since intervention at this crucial stage generally improves outcomes.

Parents need to be confident in asking any questions they have to their child’s healthcare provider.

Consult A Pediatrician Or Specialist

If you see that your young child is not meeting developmental milestones, don’t wait! It is critical that they are seen by a pediatrician or specialist. These professionals are well trained to conduct thorough screenings and, when indicated, refer for definitive screening or to transitional support services.

In the U.S., 1 in 6 children ages 3 to 17 have a developmental or behavioral condition. These help us better understand a range of conditions, from autism and ADHD to dyslexia and more.

Bringing specific examples of your child’s struggles—such as difficulty maintaining eye contact or delays in speech—can make discussions with your healthcare provider more productive. Writing down your questions in advance, for example what kinds of screenings they recommend or what resources are out there, makes sure every concern gets covered.

Documenting Your Concerns

Documenting your child’s behaviors and developmental milestones will help paint a clearer picture of what’s going on. With the help of a journal or developmental checklist, record observations such as gaps in reached milestones or organized play or movement patterns.

If your child is not 18 months old, register this red flag in your mind. It is the most widely used early check for autism spectrum disorder and will help the healthcare provider’s evaluation. This can have a tremendous impact on the children at greatest risk.

Preterm birth or other environmental exposures at the time of delivery place them at increased risk.

Preparing For The Appointment

With the right preparation, you can walk away from your appointment feeling empowered and informed. Collect every relevant document, from milestone checklist forms to notes on behavior, and take them with you.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises screening at all well-child visits at 9, 18, 24, and 30 months. They recommend that children receive ASD-specific screenings at 18 and 24 months.

Rehearsing questions in advance—like, what early intervention services are available under IDEA?—helps make the discussion more directed and productive.

The Screening Process Explained

Developmental screenings are a primary key to knowing whether or not your child is on track to meet age-appropriate milestones. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages these screenings at every well-child visit. You’ll want to plan to screen them at 9, 18, 24 and 30 months with further screenings as needed.

Designed to identify potential risks for developmental delays or disabilities like autism or cerebral palsy, the process helps ensure children receive early intervention services if necessary.

What To Expect During Screening

Screenings are typically conducted in a calm, supportive environment, such as a pediatrician’s office or a child development center. They are brief, often lasting about 15–30 minutes, and focus on specific developmental areas like physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills.

These assessments are non-invasive, relying on observations and simple activities rather than medical procedures. For example, a healthcare provider may observe how a toddler responds to questions or plays with toys.

Common Screening Tools Used

Some of these are familiar and reliable instruments commonly used in developmental screenings. These are the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT).

These scientific tools help to evaluate development in areas like motor skills, communication, and social interactions. Parental feedback is key in this process, with caregivers responding to inquiries about their child’s skills so providers can get a well-rounded view.

Interpreting Screening Results

Results usually show only if a child is on track in development or if further screening or evaluation is needed. Results can point to systems in need of repair, but they are not diagnostic.

Parents need to be confident asking their child’s provider what this means and what steps to take next, particularly if proposed next steps include early intervention services.

Next Steps After Screening

No matter the results scored from this developmental screening, it’s just the beginning of learning about your child’s strengths and challenges. After the screening, the natural next steps usually include referral to a specialist, further evaluation, and carrying out suggested interventions. Taking these steps can lead to valuable information and resources that will put your child on the path to success.

Understanding The Results

Receiving the results of a developmental screening can be somewhat daunting, but remember – these are designed to help steer you, not scare you. Your healthcare provider will typically walk you through the results available, so be sure to voice concerns and ask questions to ensure you understand.

For instance, a screening may show a possible delay in speech or motor development, leading to more in-depth evaluations. Finally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that screenings are screening tools—not diagnostic devices—they just point to specific areas that need further monitoring.

Having a conversation about the results with your provider will help you make sense of what they might mean in terms of your child’s overall developmental progress.

Exploring Early Intervention Services

If a possible developmental concern is noticed, learning more about early intervention services is an important next step. Services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral therapy can support children from birth to 3 years of age in learning essential skills.

Reauthorization of Education for All Handicapped Children Act Children over 3 become eligible for special education services. Public schools are required to offer these services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Advocating for early intervention has profound benefits. It improves other communication and social skills like turn taking too—especially for kids with autism spectrum disorder or other learning disabilities.

Creating A Support System

Developing a robust community of allies is just as critical. Involving family, friends, and professionals offers emotional support and practical assistance.

Local resources and support groups can help put you in touch with other parents, offering tips and experiences from one parent to another. Partnering with all pediatric caregivers will help make sure your child receives the same supportive message from all caregivers.

Supporting Your Child's Development

Supporting your child’s development begins with a more active, deliberate, and purposeful approach at home and in family life. By fostering an environment that encourages growth, parents can play a vital role in identifying and nurturing their child’s potential.

The Role Of Family Involvement

Family engagement is an essential ingredient for healthy development. Families that spend special time together, whether that’s reading aloud or playing a game, tend to be more connected to one another. Consequently, all children with autism improve their social functioning.

Open communication among family members is just as important. Talking about developmental concerns early and often fosters a positive, reassuring environment. When a child has challenges with language skills, caregivers can work together to support that child.

They can incorporate playful vocabulary development activities and interactive storytelling experiences to create more joyful learning environments.

Encouraging The Development At Home

At home, a predictable environment includes a routine and the use of play to allow exploration and expression. Creative experiences through interactive activities such as puzzles, drawing, or role-playing games can help develop strong problem-solving and imaginative skills.

Reading and storytelling are especially powerful, fostering cognitive and language skills, developing creativity, and igniting curiosity. For toddlers and preschoolers, sensory play—water tables, kinetic sand, and play dough develops those fine motor skills too.

Positive reinforcement, like acknowledging your child’s effort, instills a sense of confidence and drives them to keep improving.

Ongoing Monitoring And Documentation

It is important to monitor your child’s progress on a consistent basis. Maintaining even a basic milestone tracker or list of concerns will prove invaluable during discussions about developmental progress with schooling or healthcare professionals.

Programs such as the CDC’s “Act Early” furnish free milestone checklists to help steer parents. Developmental screenings recommended by the AAP at specific ages ensure any delays are addressed early, often through services like IDEA or early intervention programs.

Conclusion

The earlier a developmental delay is caught, the better chance your child has to reach their full potential. Remember that a screening is not a diagnosis or a judgment. It’s simply the first step in understanding where your child may need additional support. You can use that knowledge to take action and ensure they are supported to succeed.

At Dr. Ashley Pediatrics, we understand that every child grows at their own pace. However, if something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out. Early intervention can make all the difference in your child's development. You don’t have to face this journey alone—our team is here to guide you with the professional expertise, knowledge, and tools needed for your child's success.

Trust your instincts, ask questions, and stay vigilant. If you still have concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Ashley Pediatrics. Early action now can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for your child. With our team by your side, you can rest assured that you are not alone—Dr. Ashley Pediatrics is here to support both you and your child every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is Developmental Screening?

Developmental screening is a brief but important test that looks at whether your child is reaching key developmental milestones. That may mean screening for skills like listening, motor skills, and social engagement. It’s the best way to catch possible developmental delays at an early age.

2. How Do I Know If My Child Needs A Developmental Screening?

Watch out for warning signs such as late talking, lack of interest in talking or interacting with others, or issues with movement or motor skills. If you have any doubts, check with your pediatrician to be steered in the right direction.

3. Why Is Early Developmental Screening Important?

Early screening helps find potential delays as soon as possible when interventions are most effective. It’s worth taking action now to help your child grow and learn in the years to come.

4. At What Age Should Developmental Screenings Be Done?

Most developmental screenings occur at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months of age as part of regular well-child visits. Screenings should happen at any age and concern is raised.

5. What Happens During A Developmental Screening?

You’ll respond to prompts regarding your child’s actions and skills. Depending on the age of the child, doctors will perform observations of your child or use standardized tools to identify concerns.

6. Can Developmental Delays Be Treated?

Yes, most developmental delays get better with early intervention—like speech therapy, physical therapy, or learning in special ways. Early intervention is key. Early treatment can be life-changing.

7. What Should I Do If I’m Worried About My Child’s Development?

Call your pediatrician as soon as possible. They can screen your child and determine if they’re at developmental risk and recommend further action, such as a more formal screening or specialist referrals.