As a parent, keeping track of your child’s development is one of the most important ways to ensure they are hitting key milestones. Children grow and develop at their own pace, but certain signs may indicate a developmental delay. In these cases, a developmental screening can help identify potential concerns early and allow for timely intervention. But what exactly is developmental screening, and why is it important?
What is Developmental Screening?
Developmental screening is a test designed to measure a child’s progress in key areas such as speech, motor skills, social interaction, and problem-solving abilities. Healthcare providers, such as pediatricians, often use these screenings during routine checkups to see if children are meeting appropriate age-related milestones. These tools, including, the Child Development Checker (CDC), the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), and the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST), can help identify whether a child is falling behind in specific areas of development.
Why is Developmental Screening Important?
Early developmental screening is critical for ensuring that children receive the necessary support if they are experiencing delays. When developmental delays are assessed early, interventions such as speech therapy, physical therapy, or educational support can be more effective, leading to better long-term outcomes. It’s also essential because many developmental issues if left unaddressed, can impact a child’s future learning, social skills, and overall well-being.
Research shows that early intervention can help children catch up to their peers and improve their chances for success in school and social environments. Developmental screenings offer a proactive approach to supporting children during their most formative years.
Top Signs Your Child May Need a Developmental Screening
While every child is different, some common signs may suggest a developmental delay. If your child is showing any of these indicators, it could be time to talk to your pediatrician about a developmental screening.
1. Delays in Speech or Language Development
One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of a developmental delay is a lack of speech progress. By age two, most children can speak in short sentences and use about 50 words. If your child isn’t babbling by 12 months, using words by 18 months, or forming simple sentences by age two, it may be a sign that they may have speech or language delays.
2. Trouble with Motor Skills
Developmental delays can also affect motor skills, both gross (large movements like walking) and fine (small movements like grasping objects). If your child isn’t able to crawl, walk, or use their hands to feed themselves by typical milestones, this could signal a developmental delay. Delays in motor skills may affect a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks as they grow.
3. Difficulty with Social Interaction
Social development is another key area to watch. Toddlers typically start interacting with others, including making eye contact, pointing at objects, and playing simple games like peekaboo by the time they are one year old. If your child seems indifferent to social interactions, struggles with eye contact, or doesn’t engage in back-and-forth play, it might be time for a developmental screening.
4. Lack of Interest in Playing or Exploring
Children are naturally curious, often exploring their environment and engaging in play with toys or other objects. A lack of interest in playing or interacting with the world around them could indicate an issue in their cognitive development. If your child doesn’t seem to engage with toys or isn’t interested in imitating actions, these may be signs of developmental concerns.
5. Regression in Skills
If your child has been meeting developmental milestones and then suddenly loses previously acquired skills such as speaking words they used to say or becoming less social, it may be a sign of a developmental delay. Regressing in any area of development should be taken seriously and evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Next Steps: Consulting Professionals and Using Screening Tools
If you notice any of these signs or are concerned about your child’s development, the first step is to consult with your pediatrician. They may recommend a formal developmental screening to assess whether your child needs additional support. You can also use the Child Development Checker app which provides a convenient way to assess your child’s development at home. The AI-based app assesses child development by asking parents to answer questions and upload facial images to identify potential developmental and genetic concerns to address potential health concerns. Parents receive a free report and have the option to connect with healthcare professionals for further evaluation if needed. AI tools can significantly enhance and expedite the diagnostic process. However, it’s important to seek the expertise of a healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis and tailored advice. Consulting a qualified expert ensures that you receive personalized care based on your specific needs and circumstances.
