At Roman Empire Agency, we work alongside families every day who are navigating speech delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other developmental challenges. Early screening is often the first critical step in that journey.
What Is Developmental Screening in Pediatrics?
Developmental screening is a structured process used to identify children who may not be meeting expected developmental milestones.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, developmental screening is different from diagnosis. It is designed to identify risk, not confirm a condition.
Screening evaluates key developmental domains:
- Speech and language development
- Gross motor skills
- Fine motor skills
- Cognitive development
- Social and emotional development
- Behavioral regulation
If screening suggests a concern, further evaluation is typically recommended.
At What Age Do Pediatricians Screen for Developmental Delays?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend:
- Developmental surveillance at every well-child visit
- Standardized screening at 9 months
- Standardized screening at 18 months
- Standardized screening at 30 months
- Autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months
If concerns arise earlier, screening can be done at any time.
What Tools Do Pediatricians Use to Screen for Developmental Delays?
Pediatricians use validated screening tools to identify any potential developmental delays in your child.
Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)
Parents will complete questionnaires that assess:
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Gross and fine motor development
- Personal-social skills
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
A screening tool specifically designed to identify early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS)
A screening tool that captures any developmental concerns by their parents.
These tools are evidence-based and widely studied in pediatric healthcare settings.
What Happens During a Developmental Screening Appointment?
Here’s what typically occurs during a well-child visit when screening is performed:
1. Parent Interview
Your pediatrician may ask:
- Is your child using words consistently?
- Do they respond to their name?
- Do they make eye contact?
- Are they walking, crawling, or climbing appropriately?
- How do they interact with other children?
2. Direct Observation
The physician may observe:
- Movement and coordination
- Social engagement
- Emotional responses
- Attention and behavior
- Speech patterns
3. Questionnaire Scoring
If a screening tool is used, it is scored against standardized benchmarks. Results typically fall into:
- Within expected range
- Monitoring recommended
- Further evaluation recommended
What Developmental Milestones Do Pediatricians Look For?
Examples of what pediatricians evaluate include:
By 12 Months
- Responds to name
- Uses gestures like pointing
- Says “mama” or “dada”
- Pulls to stand
By 18 Months
- Uses 10–20 words
- Walks independently
- Points to objects of interest
- Engages in simple pretend play
By 24 Months
- Combines two words
- Follows simple directions
- Imitates behaviors
- Engages socially
Missing one milestone is not automatically a sign of a developmental delay. Patterns matter more than isolated delays.
What Happens If a Child Fails a Developmental Screening?
A failed screening does not equal a diagnosis.
If results suggest concern, the pediatrician may:
- Refer to a developmental pediatrician
- Recommend a speech-language evaluation
- Suggest occupational therapy or physical therapy
- Refer to early intervention services
- Recommend a comprehensive autism evaluation
Early intervention services, especially before age three, significantly improve developmental outcomes for your child that will help them well into adulthood.
Why Early Developmental Screening Improves Long-Term Outcomes
Research consistently shows that early identification leads to:
- Stronger communication skills
- Improved academic readiness
- Better emotional regulation
- Reduced behavioral challenges
- Increased independence in adolescence and adulthood
Early support builds neurological pathways during critical brain development periods.
How Roman Empire Agency Supports Families After Screening
If your pediatrician has recommended further evaluation or services, Roman Empire Agency can help.
We help you access services and support for developmental delays, including:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Adaptive Skills Training
- Independent Living Skills Training
- Behavioral modification services
- Support for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities
We work collaboratively with families to turn concern into structured support and structured support into progress.
