Developmental Screening – Early Identification Makes a Difference
Reaching developmental milestones is an essential part of early childhood. Healthy development is important for all children, including those with special health care needs. We know that most children follow particular patterns of development, be it for motor skills, language skills, or social skills. Those who fall outside of these normal development parameters, also known as developmental delay, can benefit from early intervention. However, this can only occur if the delay is recognized early.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in the United States about 1 in 6 children aged 3 to 17 years of age have one or more developmental or behavioral disabilities – though to be complete it must be noted that they include autism, learning disorders, and ADHD along with motor and speech delays in this number.
What is involved in developmental assessments?
There is a difference between developmental monitoring and developmental screening. Monitoring includes general observations about how a child is developing over time, while screening assessments are more detailed.
In order to recognize these delays in a timely fashion, developmental screening methods have been developed. These are usually completed as part of regular well-child check ups, but can also be done during focused visits for developmental concerns. Any caregiver that spends a significant amount of time with a child can provide input for developmental screening. These screens determine how a child is growing and changing over time and help to determine if he or she is meeting the typical timeframe for milestones. These screenings are multi-faceted and include all areas of childhood development, including large and small motor skills, speech and language development, social skills, and problem solving abilities.
When are developmental assessments done?
Developmental monitoring can be done by a multitude of sources, including many healthcare professionals, early childhood intervention specialists, teachers, and other educators in the community. Pediatricians monitor development subconsciously during each encounter with a child. We are very attuned to typical and developmentally appropriate behaviors for age, and it is quickly noticeable when a child is not meeting these milestones. While these subjective methods of monitoring can be helpful in detection of developmental delays, there are also objective methods that are used at well-child check ups.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends age-specific developmental and behavioral screening at 9, 18, and 30 months, however many of the most common screens are given at each visit from age 4 months until 5 years of age. Additionally, specific screening for autism spectrum disorder is recommended at 18 and 24 months.
What are the next steps?
If a developmental screening assessment is found to be abnormal, that does not automatically lead to a diagnosis. It is an indication that further testing and evaluation needs to be done. For example, if a child does not pass the communication portion of the assessment, it is likely that a speech delay is present but further evaluation by a licensed Speech Pathologist must be done. If a screening test is concerning for autism spectrum disorder, a more in-depth evaluation by a Developmental Pediatrician or other behavioral health specialist is necessary. These follow up evaluations usually include more detailed questions and more time spent observing the child in various situations.
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services help children from birth through age 3 years. For those who age out of the ECI programs, local schools provide services through preschool programs and special education services. Private therapies are also available through insurance providers.
Final thoughts
Childhood development is one of the core concepts of pediatrics. It is detailed and specific because of the extreme importance placed on early identification and intervention of developmental delays. Many illnesses and diseases can be cured, modified, or improved through early treatment, and developmental and behavioral delays are no different. If you have concerns about your child’s development, please reach out to your Pediatrician to discuss. In the meantime, please also see the Resources below for quick links to specific developmental articles on this blog.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/screening.html
Please also see my prior posts on developmental milestones:
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