Developmental Screenings

What are developmental screenings?

Developmental screenings are structured checks that help identify whether your child may benefit from further evaluation or support. They use age-appropriate questionnaires and other screening tools to assess how your child communicates, moves, learns, and interacts with others.

Screening complements the ongoing conversations and observations that take place during well-child visits. Identifying concerns early helps families connect with services that support their child’s development. (aap.org)

What concerns can developmental screenings identify?

Screenings can highlight areas where your child may need additional support, including:

• Speech and language: Understanding words, communicating needs, and using sounds or words
• Gross motor skills: Movements such as sitting, crawling, walking, and jumping
• Fine motor skills: Using hands and fingers to grasp objects, feed themselves, or draw
• Learning and problem-solving: Exploring, understanding, and figuring things out
• Social and emotional development: Playing, interacting with others, and expressing emotions. (healthychildren.org)

Autism-specific screenings look for patterns that may warrant a more detailed autism evaluation. A screening result is not a diagnosis. It helps determine whether further assessment is needed. (publications.aap.org)

When does my child need developmental screenings?

At Valencia Pediatrics, we follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations:

• General developmental screening: At 9, 18, and 30 months
• Autism-specific screening: At 18 and 24 months
• Additional screening: Whenever a parent, caregiver, teacher, or healthcare provider raises a concern

We also monitor developmental progress at every well-child visit and continue discussing learning, behavior, and emotional health as your child grows. Screening and follow-up are tailored to your child’s history and needs. (aap.org)

You do not need to wait for a scheduled screening to raise a concern. Contact our team promptly if you notice a loss of previously learned skills or changes that worry you.

What can I expect during a developmental screening?

We start by listening to your questions and observations. You may complete a questionnaire about skills and behaviors you see at home, such as how your child communicates, plays, moves, and responds to others.

Your provider reviews the screening results alongside your child’s medical history and observations during the visit. We discuss your child’s strengths, explain any concerns, and recommend next steps when appropriate. We can also share practical ways to encourage development through everyday play and interaction. (healthychildren.org, healthychildren.org)

What happens if a screening identifies a concern?

Our team helps your family understand the findings and arrange appropriate follow-up. Depending on your child’s needs, this may include hearing testing, a developmental evaluation, therapy referrals, or early intervention services. (healthychildren.org)

In California, children younger than 3 may qualify for Early Start services. Children age 3 and older may receive developmental and educational evaluations through their local school district, even if they are not yet attending school. Eligibility is determined through the evaluation process. (dds.ca.gov, healthychildren.org, healthychildren.org)

Families can request an early intervention evaluation before a final medical diagnosis is made. We help guide you through available resources and continue following your child’s progress. (healthychildren.org)

Call or text Valencia Pediatrics, or request an appointment online, to discuss your child’s development.