Accepting intern and practicum students for 2026! Apply now.

Developmental Screenings

Developmental Screening Services for Children and Adolescents

Identifying Key Milestones and Concerns Early

Developmental screenings are designed to help identify how a child or adolescent is progressing across key areas of development, including communication, behavior, learning, and social functioning. Families may seek screenings when they have questions about development or want professional insight to better understand a child’s needs.

At Pats Consultants, we provide developmental screening in Tampa in a supportive and professional environment. Screenings offer structured information that can help guide next steps, support planning, and increase understanding without making assumptions or predictions about outcomes.

Understanding Developmental Screenings

A developmental screening is an evaluation process that looks at developmental milestones and behavioral patterns in comparison to age-based expectations. Screenings do not diagnose conditions on their own but are used to identify areas where further evaluation or support may be helpful.

Families pursue developmental screenings for many reasons. Some have specific concerns, while others want reassurance or guidance. Seeking a screening does not mean something is “wrong,” but rather reflects a proactive approach to understanding development.

Common Reasons Families Seek Developmental Screenings

Parents or caregivers may request developmental screening in Tampa for concerns related to:

  • Speech or language development
  • Social interaction or emotional regulation
  • Attention, focus, or behavior
  • Learning or academic performance
  • Delays in developmental milestones
  • Adjustment to environmental or family changes

Each child develops at their own pace, and screenings help clarify individual patterns.

2 Months

Social and Emotional

  • Begins to smile at people
  • Can briefly calm down the self
  • Bring hands to mouth and suck on hands
  • Tries to look at the parent
  • Language/Communication
  • Coos, makes gurgling sounds
  • Turns head toward the sounds

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem solving)

  • Pay attention to faces
  • Begins to follow things with their eyes and recognize people at a distance
  • Begins to act bored (cries & fusses) if an activity doesn’t change

Movement/Physical Development

  • Can hold head up and begins to push up when lying on tummy
  • Makes smoother movements with legs and arms

9 Months

Social and Emotional

  • May be afraid of strangers
  • May be clingy with unfamiliar adults
  • Has favorite toys

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem solving)

  • Watches the path of something as it falls
  • Look for things they see you hide
  • Plays peek-a-boo
  • Puts things in the mouth
  • Moves things smoothly from one hand to the other
  • Picks up things like cereal O’s between the thumb and index finger

Language/ Communication

  • Understands “no”
  • Makes a lot of different sounds like “mamamma and babbaba”
  • Copies the sounds and gestures of others
  • Uses fingers to point at things

18 Months

Social and Emotional

  • Likes to hand things to others as play
  • May have temper tantrums
  • May be afraid of strangers
  • Shows affection to familiar people
  • Plays simple pretend, such as feeding a doll
  • May cling to caregivers in new situations
  • Points to show others something interesting
  • Explores alone but with a parent close by

Language/ Communication

  • Says several single words
  • Says and shakes head “no”
  • Points to show someone what they want

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem solving)

  • Knows what ordinary things are for, for example, a telephone, a brush, a spoon
  • Points to get the attention of others
  • Shows interest in a doll or stuffed animal by pretending to feed them
  • Points to one body part
  • May draw scribbles
  • Can follow 1-step verbal commands without gestures; for example, will sit when you say, “sit down.”
  • Movement/Physical Development
  • Walks alone
  • May walk up steps and run
  • Pulls toys while walking
  • Can help undress self
  • Drinks from a cup
  • Eats with a spoon

What a Developmental Screening May Include

Identifying Delays and Addressing Concerns with Expert Evaluation
  • Developmental screenings may involve:

    • Clinical interviews with caregivers
    • Review of developmental history
    • Standardized screening tools
    • Behavioral observations
    • Feedback and recommendations

    The process is designed to be respectful, age-appropriate, and informative rather than judgmental.

    How Developmental Screenings May Help

    Developmental screening services may support families by:

    • Providing clearer understanding of a child’s strengths and needs
    • Identifying areas that may benefit from additional support
    • Offering guidance on next steps or referrals
    • Supporting communication with schools or providers
    • Reducing uncertainty or confusion about development

    Screenings are informational and meant to support informed decision-making.

Our Approach to Developmental Screening

At Pats Consultants, developmental screenings are conducted using evidence-based tools and professional clinical judgment. The process emphasizes collaboration with caregivers and prioritizes clear communication throughout each step.

Feedback is shared in a supportive manner, with time for questions and discussion. Recommendations are tailored to the child’s individual context and needs.

Who Developmental Screenings Are For

Developmental screening in Tampa may be helpful for:

  • Infants, children, or adolescents
  • Families with developmental or behavioral concerns
  • Caregivers seeking professional insight
  • Parents navigating school or learning-related questions

A referral is not always required to request a screening.

What to Expect During the Process

Initial steps typically involve gathering background information and discussing concerns. After screening is complete, caregivers receive feedback and recommendations to guide future support or evaluation.

Timelines and components vary depending on individual needs.

Developmental Screenings in Tampa

If you are seeking developmental screening in Tampa, Pats Consultants offers professional, compassionate services in a confidential setting. Developmental screenings can provide valuable insight and support for families navigating questions about growth and development.

Quick Contact

Facing Challenges? We're Here to Help

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Schedule your consultation today and let us support your journey to better mental health.

Get in Touch