The first five years of a child’s life are filled with exciting milestones. Developmental screenings help your child learn, grow, and strengthen skills that build upon one another.
What is a developmental screening?
A developmental screening is a quick and simple check of how your child is growing and developing. It is a time for you to ask questions and share information about your child. It’s also a time to learn more about developmental milestones.
Developmental screenings give you a chance to learn:
- What to expect in your child’s development.
- How your child is developing.
- How you can promote healthy development.
- Whether there are any concerns for you to follow up on.
What are developmental milestones?
Developmental milestones are skills or abilities that most children can typically do at specific ages.
They include:
- Physical milestones, such as sitting up or crawling.
- Language milestones, such as learning to say “mama” or “dada.”
- Social and emotional milestones, such as playing peek-a-boo and making friends.
Babies and toddlers are growing, learning, and changing all the time. Even though no two children develop at exactly the same pace, children do develop in predictable ways.
Examples of developmental milestones:
- 1 month – your baby may have strong reflexes (a physical milestone).
- 7 months – she may show an interest in mirror images (a social and emotional milestone).
- Age 1 – he may use exclamations like “Uh oh!” (a language milestone).
It’s important to notice and celebrate the milestones children reach so they can get the best possible start on life!
When should my child be screened?
Earlier is better. The early years from birth to the start of kindergarten are an important time of rapid learning and growth.
It is never too early to schedule a developmental screening!
Why is developmental screening important?
Early screenings can improve your child’s development, even if she has no developmental or behavioral disabilities. They are a great opportunity to share any questions about how your child is growing up.
Not all developmental or behavioral disabilities are easy for parents to spot, so many children with developmental or behavioral disabilities are not diagnosed early. These children often don’t get the help they need to succeed in school or social settings until they are already in school.
What will happen during my child’s developmental screening?
Developmental screenings vary depending on the age of your child and reasons for screening.
You and/or your child’s caregiver will be asked to share observations about how your child:
- Moves.
- Plays.
- Communicates.
Your child may be also be checked for:
- Vision.
- Hearing.
- Height and weight.
- Other developmental milestones.
What’s my role during a developmental screening?
Do your best to relax and let your child respond naturally. This way, you’ll get the most accurate information from the screening.
How to help your child during a developmental screening:
- Use your observations and knowledge of your child to help experts screening your child. As the parent, you’re likely to know your child better than anyone else.
- Explain in your own terms what is going on with your child. The experts know the technical terms; you don’t have to.
- Don’t be afraid to disagree with the experts if their observations are different from yours.
- Make your needs and questions known to the professional doing the screening.
- Understand your involvement may change and be different as your child ages.
What if there are concerns about my child’s development?
Getting a developmental screening is an important first step to see if your child is reaching developmental milestones. If concerns do surface, it means that more information and help may be needed.
If your child needs further assessment or assistance, early intervention services are available. These services help children reach their full potential and help you understand your child’s development. Talk with the screening entity about referrals and next steps.
To prepare for further developmental assessment of your child:
- Bring a family member or friend to your meeting if you would like another adult to hear what is discussed. This person can be a good resource to take notes and talk with after the meeting.
- Find support through family, friends, and experts if you are concerned about screening results.
- Share what you know with other parents in order to support them and get support in return. If your child has gone through any assessment, share with other parents what the process was like and why it is important that the parent is involved in the assessments.
Where can I get a developmental screening for my child?
There are three places to get developmental screenings:
- With your health care provider during well-child visits.
- During visits with a child care provider, if the provider is trained in developmental screening.
- In your home through the Right Track program. In North Dakota, Right Track screens children from birth through age 2 right in their homes. If a need is identified, children may also receive free services.
Who should I contact to set up a screening?
This chart provides contact information based on your child’s age and situation:
Child’s Age |
Who to Contact |
| Birth through 35 months old | Right Track is a free screening program for all children in North Dakota, birth to 3 years old. A Right Track consultant can meet with you in the privacy of your home. Contact 701.328.8930 or 800.755.8529. |
| Birth through 5 years old | The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children receive regular developmental screenings during well-child visits. Contact your health care provider. |
| Birth through 6 years old | Child care providers can access free developmental screening tools through ChildCare Aware ® of North Dakota. Contact missi @ ndchildcare.org, mari @ ndchildcare.org, or 800.997.8515. |
| Birth through 21 years old (and eligible for Medicaid) | Health Tracks pays for screenings, diagnosis, and treatment services to help prevent health problems from happening or becoming worse. Contact 701.355.1583. |
| 3 to 5 years old | Preschool Screening Programs are offered in each school district. Contact ND Department of Public Instruction at 701.328.2260. |
What are the most common types of screening?
The three most common developmental screening tools:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3).
- Most effective way to screen children from 1 month to 5 ½ years for many developmental delays. (Autism is screened using the M-CHAT, which is described below.)
- Takes parents approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and 2-3 minutes for medical professionals to score.
- Highlights your child’s strengths and catches areas of concern that may need further monitoring.
- Can be done at home during a home visit, at the clinic, or over the phone.
- Find more information on the ASQ-3 on Ages and Stages.
- Ages and Stages: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE-2).
- Most effective way to screen children from 1 month to 6 years for social or emotional milestones or concerns. (Autism is screened using the M-CHAT, which is described below.)
- Takes parents approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and 2-3 minutes for medical professionals to score.
- Highlights your child’s strengths and catches areas of concern that may need further monitoring.
- Can be done at home during a home visit, at the clinic, or over the phone.
- Find more information on the ASQ:SE-2 on Ages and Stages.
- Autism Screening (M-CHAT).
- Most autism screening tools are concentrated on detecting social and communication developmental delays of children 18 months and older.
- Usually conducted after a developmental screening has shown concerns.
- Find more information about this screening and a free download of the screening tool at M-CHAT.