What Actually Happens at a Developmental Screening for Toddlers?
A developmental screening helps your pediatrician monitor your child’s development by examining how they move, communicate, interact with others, and how they are learning. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends standardized screenings at 9, 18, and 30 months, plus autism-specific screenings at 18 and 24 months. You’ll usually complete a short questionnaire and share what you’ve noticed at home while our pediatrician observes your child. Screening isn’t a diagnosis. If questions arise, your pediatrician may recommend a closer evaluation or connect your family with support, such as Illinois Early Intervention for eligible children under age three.
Putting Parents at Ease
We understand that learning your child needs a developmental screening raises questions, especially if you’re unsure what the appointment involves. It’s important for parents to remember that a developmental screening for toddlers is a routine part of preventive care that helps pediatricians check on your child’s development. It doesn’t necessarily mean that anything is wrong. Instead, it offers an opportunity to recognize emerging skills and identify areas where extra support may help.
What Is a Developmental Screening?
Think of a screening as an early check-in, not a final answer about your child’s development. It helps pediatricians recognize patterns or potential concerns that may deserve closer attention. A screening result alone cannot confirm or rule out a developmental condition.
If the results suggest your child might benefit from additional support, our pediatrician may recommend a more comprehensive evaluation. This involves a deeper look at your child’s abilities, strengths, and needs, sometimes with specialists. The goal is to better understand your child and determine whether further assessment or services may be helpful.
When Do Toddlers Get Developmental Screenings?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends standardized developmental screenings at 9, 18, and 30 months. Pediatricians also monitor development during routine well-child visits, observing children’s progress and asking parents about new skills or concerns. Autism-specific screenings are recommended at 18 and 24 months, when early signs may become more apparent.
These ages provide helpful checkpoints, but you don’t need to wait for a scheduled screening if something concerns you. If your toddler seems to be struggling with communication, movement, social interaction, or other skills, bring it up at your next appointment or contact our office sooner.
How to Prepare for a Developmental Screening
If you are able, please complete any questionnaires sent before the visit. Additionally, a little preparation will help you make the most of your child’s screening appointment.
Consider writing down:
Questions about your toddler’s communication, movement, behavior, or social interactions
A short list of new skills
Anything you’ve noticed at home that may be of concern
If a particular behavior is difficult to describe, short video clips could give our pediatrician a helpful glimpse of what you see at home. Your questions and observations can help guide the conversation, along with our pediatrician’s expertise.
What to Expect During the Appointment
A developmental screening for toddlers is fairly simple and involves the parent’s or caregiver’s input. You may complete a short questionnaire about your toddler’s abilities and everyday behaviors, answering questions about the skills they have developed and how they respond to different situations.
We will also talk with you about what you’ve noticed at home, including:
New milestones
Behavior changes
Any concerns
Depending on the screening tool, we may also observe your child playing, moving, communicating, or interacting with others.
There’s no need to coach your toddler or practice specific skills beforehand. Honest answers and everyday observations are far more helpful than trying to prepare for a test. If your child is shy, quiet, or unusually energetic during the visit, don’t worry. Your perspective on how they act at home matters, too.
What If the Screening Flags a Concern?
All children are different and are on their own timelines. A screening result that suggests a possible developmental delay doesn’t necessarily mean your child has a developmental disorder. Depending on the results, we may:
Discuss specific concerns
Recommend a more detailed assessment
Schedule a follow-up
Refer you to a specialist or support service
For children under age three in Illinois, Illinois Early Intervention may be an option for eligible families. Recognizing concerns early connects your family with support during an important period of your child’s development.
Remember, we are here to support you. We will be happy to answer your questions, talk with you about your child’s screening results and our recommendations, explain what the results mean, and discuss which assessments or services might help.
Talk With Northwestern Children’s Practice About Your Child’s Development
Developmental screenings offer a helpful opportunity to check your child’s progress and discuss questions with your pediatric care team, but you don’t have to wait for a scheduled screening to share a concern. We welcome you to contact Northwestern Children’s Practice to discuss your child’s development or schedule a well-child visit any time. Our team is here to help you navigate each stage of your child’s growth.