Development monitoring
Developmental monitoring involves watching how a child grows and changes over time to see if he or she is reaching developmental milestones in the way he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves at each age. Parents, grandparents, early childhood service providers, and other caregivers can participate in developmental monitoring. You can use a short checklist of milestones to see how a child is developing. If you notice that your child is not reaching a milestone, talk to your doctor.
When you take your child to the doctor at each well-child visit, it is important to talk about child development. Your child’s healthcare provider will ask questions about his or her development while interacting with your child to see if he or she is reaching milestones that most children his age can achieve. A missed milestone could be a sign of a developmental delay. If your child is missing a milestone, or if either of you has concerns about how he or she is developing, the doctor may perform a developmental screening test as a next step. By asking questions and sharing any concerns you may have with your child’s doctor, you will be able to understand how your child is doing and learn ways to support his or her development.
Download CDC for free Milestone Tracker Application
Developmental evaluation
The developmental screening takes a closer look at how your child is developing. The tools used for developmental assessment are formal questionnaires or research-based checklists that ask questions about a child’s development, including language, movement, thinking, behavior, and emotions. Developmental screening can be performed by your child’s health care provider and by other health care, early childhood education, community, or school professionals who have been trained in using these tools.
Developmental screening is more formal than developmental monitoring and is recommended for all children at specific ages.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental screening for all children during regular well-child visits at least at these ages.1:
- 9 months
- 18 months
- 30 months
Additionally, the AAP recommends that all children be screened specifically for autism during regular well-child visits at:
If your child misses one of these well-child visits, or did not have a screening at those times, they must complete it at the next visit. Your child should also receive screening at other times if you or your child’s doctor have any concerns about his or her development.
If your child’s healthcare provider does not regularly screen your child with a developmental screening test, you can ask your child to do so.
Why developmental monitoring and detection are important
Early identification of developmental delays and disabilities helps children and families. Developmental monitoring and evaluation work together to help identify developmental problems so children and families can get the services and supports they need as soon as possible.
Early developmental intervention services support the child, helping them at home, school, and in the community.
Developmental disabilities are common. In the United States, about 1 in 6 children ages 3 to 17 have one or more developmental disabilities, such as autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Early intervention and follow-up.
When a developmental concern is identified, the next step is usually additional evaluation through the state’s early intervention system. Health care providers and anyone who works with young children can refer families to early intervention for evaluation. Families can also refer themselves directly.
Connection to the early intervention system will lead to further steps to evaluate the child’s development. Depending on those results, the child may be eligible to receive program services to help the family support their child’s development.
Each state and territory has its own system for which children are eligible.
- State early intervention programs generally provide developmental services for children from birth to age 3, and some states also provide services to older children.
- Local public school systems generally provide developmental and support services for children ages 3 and older.
This early intervention page provides a brief overview of services and eligibility processes, along with key contacts for each state and territory.
Although early intervention is important, intervention at any age can be helpful. Contact your child’s doctor or your state program if you have any concerns about your child’s development.
