Is your baby meeting developmental milestones?

Studies show that parents’ observations turn out to be very good predictors of developmental delays. In fact, the Journal of Child Neurology reported in 2005 that current research strongly supports the idea that parents—regardless of socioeconomic status, location, or well-being—give accurate information about their child’s development.

Understanding the importance of detecting developmental delays and behavioral problems early is crucial to provide better outcomes for children. Pediatric Associates of Dallas offers an Ages and Stages Questionnaire that allows parents to know what “normal” behaviors would look like at 4 months, 8 months, 14 months, 24 months, 36 months, 48 months and 60 months. Click here to view these documents and read more about the milestones expected at each age.

Screening young children is an effective, efficient way for professionals to catch problems and start treatment when it does the most good—during the crucial early years when the child’s brain and body are developing so rapidly, says F.P. Glascoe in Pediatrics in Review (2000).

Glascoe goes on to say, because delays can be subtle and can occur in children who appear to be developing typically, most children who would benefit from early intervention are not identified until after they start school. Even pediatricians, the child health specialists, fail to detect delays more than 70% of the time when they rely on clinical judgment alone.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants and young children be screened for developmental delays as a regular part of their ongoing health care.