Developmental Checkups

What is a developmental checkup?

At a developmental checkup, your child will receive a complete head-to-toe assessment to ensure that his or her growth and development is progressing on track. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental checkups at your child’s 9, 18, 24 and 36 month well-child visits, although they can be performed every few months until your child’s fifth birthday. Developmental checkups can be performed by a combination of:

• Pediatricians, family doctors, dentists and nurses
• Occupational and physical therapists for fine and gross motor development
• Audiologists for hearing development
• Speech therapists for speech, language and communication development
• Cognitive specialists for thinking and problem solving development
• Vision specialists for eye health
• Mental health professionals for social and expressive development

Specialists will document your child’s progress or any concerns and note whether or not a referral is needed to another agency for additional support. Parents or caregivers should leave with a copy of the checkup so they are aware of what developmental skills were screened and what areas of development may need additional support.

Where can my child receive a developmental checkup?

Your family doctor or pediatrician. At your next well – child visit, ask your doctor if he or she can perform a complete developmental checkup for your child. If you have any concerns, be sure to let your child’s doctor know. Looking for a doctor who regularly performs developmental checkups? Check out the Good To Go From Head To Toe Partnering Pediatricians & Physicians.

The Community. In addition to your child’s doctor, the Family Support Network provides FREE developmental screenings for children age birth through five years. Find one in your area today! (FSN Screening Schedule) You can also take advantage of free developmental screening days provided by the Family Support Network at Pretend City Children’s Museum. Upcoming screening days include:

• October 21, 2011
At Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (Members Priority);
9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. (General Public) First come, first served.

At home. Find out how!