Developmental Screening

Routine screening of babies, children, and teenagers is vital to ensure ideal growth and development or detect potential issues and treat them effectively. At Pronto Med Care in Toms River, New Jersey, board-certified physician Jessica Carpenter, MD, and her skilled team provide developmental screenings for children of all ages. Schedule an evaluation at Pronto Med Care by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is developmental screening?

Developmental screening at Pronto Med Care involves evaluations that screen for abnormalities in a child’s growth or development, including disorders that affect cognitive, emotional, social, behavioral, or physical development. Early detection allows your child to undergo treatment to help them catch up with their peer group.

What can developmental screening detect?

Examples of conditions developmental screening can detect or rule out include:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Learning disabilities 
• Intellectual disabilities
• Cerebral palsy
• Anxiety disorders
• Hearing issues
• Speech delays or impairment
• Vision problems
• Delayed physical (gross and fine motor) development
• Slowed growth 
• Behavioral problems
• Social or emotional issues 
• Dwarfism
• Other congenital abnormalities

The Pronto Med Care team offers developmental and behavioral screening tests that detect these or other issues that warrant intervention. 

When does a child need developmental screening?

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests your child undergo developmental and behavioral screenings during routine well-child checkups, particularly when they’re 9, 18, and 30 months old. Any time you notice concerning issues related to a child’s growth, behavior, or development, schedule a screening at Pronto Med Care.

What happens during developmental screening?

During developmental screenings, which often coincide with a child’s wellness checkup, their specialist evaluates their weight, height, head circumference in babies and young children, body mass index (BMI), and growth.

They discuss your child’s symptoms, medical history, family medical history, medications, lifestyle habits, and developmental milestones.

To complete developmental screening, the Pronto Med Care team asks questions about your child’s development, behaviors, social interactions, and language and motor skills. They complete developmental tests by asking your child to walk, jump, answer questions, pick up a toy, or complete additional tasks. They also offer vision and hearing screenings.

What do the results of a developmental screening mean?

Your Pronto Med Care specialist discusses the results of your child’s developmental screening and determines if they’re on pace with typical childhood development based on their age and gender. If your provider has any concerns, they address them and offer referrals or advice on ways to assist your child at home. 

Some children benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social skills training, medications, psychotherapy, or other treatments that optimize their development. 

To maximize their progress, it’s vital for children to stay active daily, eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, minimize stress, and interact socially.

Schedule a developmental screening at Pronto Med Care by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.