Periodic developmental screenings allow Dr. Herbsman or Dr. Castelli to monitor your child’s developmental health to ensure they’re achieving specific milestones by a certain age. In addition to asking you questions about how your child moves, plays, speaks, or learns, your pediatrician may briefly talk or play with your child during the assessment. The primary goal of developmental screening is to find out if your child is learning basic skills when they should or if there are significant delays. Because early treatment of developmental delays can be critical to a child’s success, routine developmental screening is an important part of pediatric health care.
Developmental screenings are a routine part of certain child wellness exams. At nine months of age, for example, most babies understand the word no, copy sounds and gestures, and can sit without support. By 18 months, most toddlers can say several words, walk unassisted, and drink from a cup. By 24 months, most children can sort shapes and colors, run, and exert more independence.
Because Dr. Herbsman and Dr. Castelli understand that developmental milestones happen throughout early childhood, they make developmental screening a part of every wellness exam. They perform additional screenings for children who have a greater risk of developmental issues, including those with a low birth weight or those who were born preterm.
Dr. Herbsman and Dr. Castelli can also perform additional screenings any time you have concerns about your child’s development.
Approximately 13% of American children between the ages of three and 17 have a developmental or behavioral disability such as autism or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When developmental delays are identified quickly, however, your child can receive early intervention services. Such services often don’t require a formal diagnosis, and may include therapy to help them talk, walk, or interact with others.
Although early intervention can greatly enhance your child’s chances of success, intervention services can be helpful at any age.
To find out more about developmental screenings, call or book your appointment online today.
Feel free to email us regarding any scheduling or general questions!