What To Expect During a Developmental Screening

At Kids First Pediatrics in Plainfield, IL, Dr. Kristine Liberty, Dr. Steven Kovar, and Dr. Jessica Ciszek provide developmental screenings for children as they grow and develop to ensure they meet expected milestones.

A developmental screening can help uncover any developmental delays your child may be experiencing.

Screenings are done whenever a parent has a concern; the first ones are generally done at 9, 18, and 24 months old. Developmental surveillance is done at well-child exams, which check on the basics of how your child is developing.

What to Expect During a Developmental Screening

You may be asked to answer a detailed questionnaire about your child during the screening process. Your child’s motor skills, reflexes, and coordination will be tested. The provider will ask questions as your child ages to see how their language skills develop. The developmental screening information collected will be compared to children of the same age in Plainfield, IL, and you will learn where your child’s results fall among their peers.

Developmental Surveillance and Your Child

Developmental surveillance is watching your child as they develop over time. It is less formal than a developmental screening and is simply a way to check in to see how your child is doing between screenings. If you ever have concerns about your child, you can ask for a formal screening to check for any problems. Part of surveillance is weighing your child, measuring their length, and checking in to see if there have been any changes to their behavior.

The Benefits of Developmental Screening

Children all develop at a different pace, but hitting certain milestones at specific ages means your child is developmentally on target. Early intervention services can be identified through a developmental screening if your child falls behind in one area. Your child may benefit from speech therapy for better communication or physical therapy to help with mobility.

When developmental issues are identified early, it is beneficial for your child to begin working with providers to address the delays. Every child can reach their maximum potential once delays are identified and the right therapy is implemented.

Learn More About Developmental Screenings Now

If you notice changes in your child’s behavior or are worried about a delay, call Kids First Pediatrics to schedule an appointment with Dr. Liberty, Dr. Kovar, or Dr. Ciszek to assess your child. 

Your child’s ability to communicate through language, thinking, behavior, and movement shows emotional maturity, and it is all part of a developmental screening. 

Make an appointment for a developmental screening in Plainfield, IL, at (815) 609-5437 today.