When to Schedule Your Child’s First Developmental Screening

When to Have Your Child’s First Developmental Screening

Healthy development and growth for your child start early. Developmental screenings are routine sessions in which pediatricians can assess whether kids are reaching significant markers. Screen screenings can detect delayed development, and intervention can start early when needed. Dr. Kristine Liberty, Dr. Steven Kovar, and Dr. Jessica Ciszek at Kids First Pediatrics in Plainfield, IL, conduct in-depth evaluations to nurture your child’s development.

Learning About Developmental Screens

Developmental screens evaluate a child’s learning style, moving, communicating, and relating to others. Pediatricians use these tests to monitor development in such areas as:

• Learning and problem-solving: Cognitive development.
• Speech, comprehension, and reaction to sound: Language and communications.
• Motor skills: Sitting, creeping, walking, and holding an object.
• Interacting with family, parents, and friends: Social and emotional development.

How Old a Child Should Have a Developmental Screening?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends routine development tests at 9, 18, and 30 months. Autism-specific testing at 18 and 24 months must become part of development tests for early symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) problem. Despite that, development tests can start early when parents have concerns about speech, behavior, and moving.

Warning Signs for a Developmental Screening

Although all kids develop at an individual pace, delayed development can require additional testing. Have your child checked out with a development test if your child doesn’t:

• Smile, make eye contact, and respond to a known voice at 6 months.
• Sit, move, and stand at 12 months.
• Make simple speech at 18 months.
• Follow simple directions and have fun with others at 2 years.
• Exhibit speech regressions, loss of acquired speech, and loss of acquired speech at any age.

What to Expect at a Developmental Screening

What will your doctor do during a development screening?

• Ask questions about your child's behavior, routines, and interests.
• Observe them in terms of moving, speaking, and social interaction.
• Compare development with general milestones with a standardized checklist.
• Provide early intervention guidance when needed.

Early development intervention allows for timely interventions, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavior interventions, to enable full development.

Make an Appointment for Your Child’s Development Screening Today

Scheduled development screenings allow you to track your child’s development and provide them with proper intervention at timely times. If you are concerned about your child’s development, contact Dr. Kristine Liberty, Dr. Steven Kovar, and Dr. Jessica Ciszek at Kids First Pediatrics in Plainfield, IL. Call (815) 609-5437 today to make an appointment.