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Most of the parents have concerns about their child development. Many of them often visit to paediatricians for regular physical and well being check-ups. In our countries due to the lack of awareness, many a time the development screening either does not complete or remains superficial. Moreover the paediatricians are busier in immunization or vaccination. Many a time they miss the developmental delay or forget to refer to early interventionist or developmental paediatrician for further evaluation.

Here as a parent, you should be aware of child’s development and behavioural growth so that you can share your concerns with the professionals and if there are issues then you can intervene earliest.

DEVELOPMENT

All children go through developmental “stages” in various developmental areas like motor, fine motor, cognition, speech and language etc – typical and predictable changes in the areas.

The next stage of development depends on the previous stage and hence they are interrelated.

Every child develops on his own pace.

DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING

• The checklist which guides the child development with respect to normal population. Experts have developed a list of developmental milestones in all development areas. Most of the time, it is conducted by psychologist, early interventionist or a developmental paediatrician.
• Screening includes interactive session between parents and specialist. This may include a checklist or questionnaire about the family, prenatal, natal or antenatal history. The developmental history includes all developmental areas.
• According to evaluations and results, recommendations are made for further services.

IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING

To determine the healthy growth of the child and to monitor the child development.

To detect the developmental issues at earliest and intervene early.

CONTACT

Child’s paediatrician or EARLY INTERVENTIONIST or child psychologist can provide developmental screening.