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As many as one in four children through the age of 5 is at risk for a
developmental delay or disability. Early detection of such delays is imperative
so that pediatric health care providers and family members can determine the
services needed to help the child progress.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that pediatricians
conduct the following:
- developmental surveillance at every health supervision visit;
- developmental screening using formal, validated tools at 9, 18, and 30
months, or whenever a concern is expressed;
- an autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months.1
To assist pediatric health care providers in supporting the health,
wellness, and development of children in their practices, the AAP has created
several initiatives, including the Screening in Practices Initiative. To learn
more about how these initiatives can help and for a listing of screening tools,
please visit the AAP website.
1
https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Screening/P
ages/Screening-Recommendations.aspx
]