Early Signs Your Child May Need Developmental Screening

Most children reach certain developmental milestones, such as crawling, around the same age. Missing a milestone or reaching it much later could signify a developmental delay or disability. Developmental screenings help pediatric providers identify potential delays so early intervention steps can be taken to help kids catch up or minimize the impact of a disability. The experienced providers at Kids First Pediatrics in Plainfield, IL, offer developmental screenings for kids. 

What is Developmental Screening?

Developmental screenings are diagnostic tools that assess how children develop in key areas, including cognition, movement, behavior, speech and language, emotions, and social skills. If a delay is identified during screening, early intervention steps can be taken to help address the delay before it significantly impacts development. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all kids be screened in different areas during their regular checkups at certain ages. For example, general developmental screenings are done during checkups at 9, 18, and 30 months, while autism screening is done at 18 and 24 months. At our pediatric practice in Plainfield, IL, developmental screening is performed at the recommended times and when a potential delay is suspected.

Signs Developmental Screening is Needed

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one out of four children from birth to five years is at risk of experiencing a developmental delay. Some signs that developmental screening might be needed include:

• Poor eye contact 
• Limited facial expressions
• Rolling, crawling, or walking late
• Not connecting actions with consequences
• Not performing tasks associated with daily living 
• Limited movement or stiffness 
• Problems with coordination 
• Difficulty following rules
• Impulsiveness 
• Hyperactivity 

Importance of Early Intervention

Children enjoy better outcomes when developmental delays are identified early through screening and treated promptly. Early intervention can also improve development and help kids acquire skills to catch up and develop on schedule. In contrast, developmental delays that go untreated until a later age often require special education services. Examples of early intervention services include speech, behavioral, or occupational therapy. 

A developmental screening might be needed if your child is reaching certain milestones late. Call Kids First Pediatrics in Plainfield, IL, at (815) 609-5437 to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric providers to learn more about developmental screening.