Developmental Screening - Critical for Every Child

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Medical Author: Melissa Stoppler, M.D.
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR

Developmental screening is designed to identify problems or delays during normal childhood development. When properly applied, screening tests for developmental or behavioral problems in preschool children allow improved outcomes due to early implementation of treatment.

Seventeen percent of children in the U.S. have developmental delays or behavioral problems such as learning disabilities, speech or language problems, autism, mental retardation, emotional/behavioral conditions, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Less than half of these problems are identified before the child reaches school age, meaning that the problems may have worsened and critical intervention opportunities have been missed during the preschool years. Studies have shown that children who receive early intervention and treatment for developmental disorders are more likely to graduate from high school, to hold jobs as adults, and are less likely to commit criminal acts than those who do not receive early intervention.

Developmental screening of infants and toddlers along with the provision of treatments and services for those with developmental delays is required by U.S. law. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1990 to 1997 require that individual states establish programs to identify and assist children at risk for developmental delays.

Developmental screenings are done by physicians or other health care providers in clinics and doctors' offices, community health departments, or schools. Professionals use a variety of tests and checklists to determine if a child is developing normally. These tools are designed to identify potential problems and do not establish a diagnosis of any particular disorder. Many of the tests evaluate so-called "developmental milestones," or steps in development that a child should reach by a given age (for example, a seven-month old should respond to his/her name and be able to transfer objects from hand to hand). One example of a commonly-used screening tool for children aged 0-6 is the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST).

Screening of children involves examination of all aspects of development, including social/emotional behavior, motor skills and coordination, cognitive abilities, and language and speech. Since early detection and treatment can be critical for a child's prognosis, all children should undergo developmental screening at every well-child checkup. It is important to remember that children develop at different rates, and a normal child may develop faster than average in one area and slower in another. Your pediatrician can explain more about developmental screening tests if you have any concerns about your child's behavior or development.

For additional information, please visit the Healthy Kids Center.