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A developmental screening is crucial in assessing your child's development and identifying potential delays or concerns early on. At Valcourt Pediatric Associates, board-certified pediatrician Yvrose Valcourt, MD, and pediatric nurse practitioner Whitney Lutz, NP, use their expertise and a range of assessment tools to evaluate different developmental areas and address your child’s needs. Call the office nearest you in Aiken, Hardeeville, and Walterboro, South Carolina, or Augusta, Georgia, or schedule an appointment online today. The practice also offers telehealth care.
Developmental Screening Q&A
What is a developmental screening?
Developmental screenings identify potential risk factors or delays children may have but are not easily recognizable during routine pediatric visits.
Screenings typically involve questionnaires, observations, and standardized assessments that evaluate various areas of your child's development, including cognitive, language, motor, social-emotional, and adaptive skills.
A developmental screening can provide valuable insights into your child’s strengths and areas where they may benefit from professional support and guidance.
Does every child need a developmental screening?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children receive developmental screenings at 9, 18, and 30 months. They also encourage screenings for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at 18 and 24 months.
Your pediatric specialist may recommend additional screenings if your child has risk factors for developmental delays, such as premature birth or low birth weight. The practice takes a personalized approach, considering your child's needs and medical history to determine the most appropriate developmental screening schedule for early detection and intervention.
What are the main benefits of a developmental screening?
Early detection through developmental screenings allows for timely intervention and targeted therapies, setting the foundation for your child's optimal growth, learning, and social-emotional development.
Developmental screenings offer many benefits for children and their families, including:
- Early detection of developmental delays or concerns
- Responsive intervention and support
- Personalized care and guidance
- Progress tracking and monitoring
The earlier you have a diagnosis, the better equipped you and your child’s care team are to implement the appropriate interventions and support.
What happens during a developmental screening?
The specific components of a developmental screening depend on your child’s age and developmental stage. While the team may evaluate motor skills, language development, and sensory responses in infants and toddlers, they typically assess cognitive abilities, academic skills, social-emotional development, and behavioral observations in school-aged children.
A typical developmental screening includes:
- Questionnaires and interviews (for parents, teachers, and caregivers)
- Observations
- Growth measurements (height, weight, length, and head circumference)
- Developmental tests (fine motor skills, communication abilities, etc.)
- Cognitive assessments
- Behavioral screenings
A developmental screening does not end in a diagnosis. Your child’s pediatric provider may perform additional testing and coordinate care with other specialists to further evaluate any concerns.
Call Valcourt Pediatric Associates or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.