Parents often wonder when the right time is to check on their child’s growth. Development screenings are designed to help you understand whether your child is reaching expected child development milestones. These screenings are not tests that pass or fail a child. Instead, they act as important checkpoints that guide you in supporting your child’s learning, behavior, and overall development.
This guide explains when screenings are recommended, what to expect, and how parents can play an active role. Along the way, you will also learn how to recognize red flags, track progress, and know when to seek professional help.
Understanding Development Screenings
Development screenings are structured evaluations that measure how a child is progressing in areas such as language, movement, behavior, and problem-solving. They can be as simple as a questionnaire for parents to fill out, or more detailed assessments performed by a pediatrician, psychologist, or developmental specialist.
The purpose is straightforward: to compare your child’s skills against widely recognized child development milestones. For example, can your toddler point at objects, stack blocks, or put two words together by age two? These small indicators reveal whether your child is developing at a typical pace or may need additional support.
Why Screenings Are Essential for Every Child
Even though every child develops at their own pace, regular screenings provide peace of mind and early intervention when necessary. Some children may be late talkers or slower to walk, and that can be normal. However, screenings help separate normal variations from signs that professional attention may be needed.
Key benefits include:
- Identifying speech, motor, or social delays early.
- Providing access to therapies and resources at the right stage.
- Helping parents understand how to support their child at home.
- Offering reassurance when milestones are being met on time.
By taking advantage of screenings, families can address challenges sooner rather than later. This proactive approach often leads to better long-term outcomes.
A Timeline for Development Screenings
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screenings at specific ages. Below is a simplified table that highlights the most common milestones and when children are usually evaluated.
| Age Range | Development Focus Areas | Recommended Screening Time |
| Birth to 3 mo | Eye movement, cooing, and early reflexes | Newborn and early well-child visits |
| 6 mo | Sitting, babbling, reaching for objects | Pediatric check-up at 6 months |
| 9–12 mo | Crawling, responding to name, first words | Routine visit at 9 or 12 months |
| 18–24 mo | Combining words, imitating behavior, and following commands | Well-child visits at 18 and 24 months |
| 2–3 yrs | Running, using short sentences, and imaginative play | Pediatric visits between 24–36 mo |
| 4–5 yrs | Counting, drawing, storytelling, and group interaction | Kindergarten readiness check |
This table serves as a guideline, but screenings can also be scheduled at any time a parent has concerns.
Recognizing Signs That a Screening May Be Needed
Sometimes waiting until the next pediatric visit is not ideal. Parents should be alert to potential red flags:
- Limited speech by age two
- Difficulty making eye contact or showing interest in others
- Loss of skills the child had already learned
- Trouble with motor skills, such as holding objects or walking
- Limited response to their name or simple directions
If you notice one or more of these issues, requesting a development screening is a smart step. Even if it turns out to be nothing serious, you gain clarity and reassuarance.
How Screenings Are Conducted
Screenings are not intimidating for children. Most involve play-based tasks or short questionnairs. Here are the most common methods:
- Parent Questionnaires – Parents fill out forms that ask about everyday skills and behaviors.
- Observation – Specialists or pediatricians observe how the child plays, talks, and interacts.
- Interactive Activities – Children may be asked to draw, speak, move, or solve simple problems.
- Standardized Tools – Certain tests provide measureable benchmarks against child development milestones.
These steps are quick and designed to fit into routine medical appointments, though more detailed evaluations can be arranged when needed.
Supporting Your Child’s Growth Between Screenings
Parents play an essential role in encouraging development. Between screenings, there are many simple ways to nurture growth:
- Talk throughout daily routines to boost language.
- Read books and encourage your child to point at pictures.
- Provide safe spaces for crawling, walking, and climbing.
- Play interactive games like peek-a-boo or building blocks.
- Encourage independence with tasks such as feeding or dressing.
Documenting your child’s progress also makes future screenings more useful. Keeping a journal or checklist of achievements helps you provide detailed information to your child’s doctor or consultant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my child be screened? Most children are screened at major milestones such as 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months, but screenings can be requested at any age if there are concerns.
Can I use online tools for screening? While there are online checklists, professional evaluations remain the most accurate way to identify delays.
What if my child misses a milestone? Missing a milestone does not always mean there is a problem. However, a developmental screening can clarify whether your child needs support.
Beyond Childhood: The Role of Psychological Evaluations
While developmental screenings focus on young children, psychological evaluation test options are available for a wide range of needs. Adults and adolescents may seek evaluations for learning difficulties, attention challenges, or emotional concerns. Many clinics that provide child screenings also support individuals preparing for bariatric surgery, as psychological readiness is often a requirement before medical procedures.
This overlap shows how psychological services extend across the lifespan. For children, the focus is on development milestones. For adults, evaluations may help ensure readiness for life-changing decisions or treatments. In both cases, the purpose is to understand the individual’s strenghts and needs in a clear, structured way.
What To Do if Concerns Arise
If a screening indicates delays, the next step is further evaluation. This could involve speech therapy, occupational therapy, or psychological assessments. Acting early makes it easier for children to catch up to their peers. Parents should also remember that they are not alone. Support networks, therapists, and educators work together to provide a complete care plan.
Take the Next Step for Your Child’s Future
A developmental screening can give you peace of mind and the support your child needs to thrive. Whether you are monitoring child development milestones or seeking a psychological evaluation test, PATS Consultants is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.