Why Early Screening is More Important Than Ever

Developmental Monitoring

Development monitoring is the process where you compare your child’s physical and mental development to expected developmental milestones . Developmental delays, or missing developmental milestones, may indicate that a child needs more help or might have a development disability.

Every child develops at a slightly different rate. Many children, for example, begin walking when they’re about 18 months old. Some children walk much sooner and some take a little bit longer. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t meet every developmental milestone exactly when they’re expected to. If you notice that they’re regularly missing milestones, though, then you may need some extra help so they don’t fall behind.

Developmental Screening

Developmental screening takes a closer look at how your child is developing. You will complete a questionnaire about your child. The tools used for developmental and behavioral screening are formal questionnaires or checklists based on research that ask questions about a child’s development, including language, movement, thinking, behavior, and emotions. Developmental screening can be done by the parents following a questionnaire.

Developmental screening is more formal than developmental monitoring and normally done less often than developmental monitoring. Your child should be screened if you have a concern. However, developmental screening is a regular part of some of the well-child visits for all children even if there is not a known concern.

Doctors recommends using sensitive screening tools rather than those with high specificity. Why? Because the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, ADHD, and speech delays, is increasing.

A highly sensitive screening tool helps identify at-risk children early, allowing parents and professionals to start interventions immediately. Research proves that early and intensive intervention leads to real improvements in children with autism and related conditions. By detecting even mild developmental concerns early, children can receive the support they need for better long-term outcomes.

Every parent wants the best for their child, ensuring they grow and develop in a healthy, happy manner. But what if there are subtle signs of developmental delays that go unnoticed? This is where early screening tools play a crucial role. They provide a structured and effective way to monitor a child's development, helping parents and practitioners detect potential concerns early on.

Why Are Screening Tools Important?

Screening tools are essential because they encourage routine and systematic surveillance of developmental milestones. Many high-quality tools rely on parental input, which has been shown to significantly improve the accuracy of screenings.

Here’s why developmental screening tools are a must for every child:

1. They Promote Early Detection of Developmental Delays

Developmental concerns, especially related to conditions like autism, ADHD, and speech delays, can be difficult to detect in the early years. Many parents may not immediately recognize the subtle signs. Screening tools help by providing clear guidelines on what behaviors to watch for, enabling early intervention.

2. They Improve Communication Between Parents and Experts

One of the biggest challenges in developmental monitoring is that parents might sense something is wrong but struggle to articulate it. Screening tools create a bridge between parents and healthcare providers, encouraging open discussions about a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and communication skills.

3. They Help Address Parental Concerns Proactively

Many parents are told to "wait and see" when they express concerns about their child's development. However, research shows that early intervention leads to the best outcomes. Screening tools empower parents to take proactive steps rather than waiting until a delay becomes more pronounced.

4. They Provide a More Holistic View of Development

Most parents and caregivers track physical milestones, like a baby’s first steps. However, screening tools help focus on other critical aspects, such as:

Social skills – Is the child engaging with others appropriately?
Emotional development – Is the child responding to different emotions?
Communication – Are speech and non-verbal communication progressing as expected?

By assessing these subtle yet significant developmental areas, screening tools ensure a well-rounded evaluation of a child’s growth.

Recommended Developmental screening periodicity

Early detection changes lives. The sooner concerns are identified, the sooner interventions can begin, giving children the best chance to thrive. Don't wait—empower yourself with knowledge, take the first step, and ensure your child's future is bright!

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