Developmental Screenings
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Valencia Pediatrics
Pediatrics located in High Desert, Victorville, CA
At Valencia Pediatrics, Rainilda Valencia, MD and the caring pediatric team, including Micaela Marin-Tucker, PA-C and Megan Reynolds, CPNP-PC, provide comprehensive developmental screenings to help ensure your child is reaching important milestones in speech, movement, learning, behavior, and social development. Serving families in Victorville and throughout the surrounding High Desert communities, Valencia Pediatrics emphasizes early identification and support for potential developmental delays. When concerns arise, the team helps guide families through additional evaluations, community resources, and early intervention services to support every child’s growth and success. Learn more about developmental screenings by calling Valencia Pediatrics or scheduling an appointment online today.
Developmental Screening Q & A
What are developmental screenings?
Developmental screenings are a common part of a well-child exam. These screenings are necessary to ensure your child is growing properly and reaching common milestones throughout the different phases of life.
The goal of developmental screenings is to identify any delays that may affect your child’s long-term health and ability to thrive. This early identification makes it possible for Dr. Valencia to coordinate necessary intervention services at home, school, and in other areas of your child’s life.
What issues can developmental screenings identify?
Developmental screenings can identify areas where your child isn’t thriving physically, emotionally, or behaviorally. Screenings can help detect issues with:
- Physical growth
- Learning abilities
- Language skills
- Gross motor skills
For many children, developmental screenings are the first step in diagnosing conditions like autism, ADD, and ADHD in the earliest stages.
When does my child need developmental screenings?
While every child has different needs, Dr. Valencia generally recommends developmental screenings for children at 9, 18, 24, and 30 months, whether or not you have concerns about their growth. She performs additional screenings for children ages 1 year and up during annual well-child visits, usually until your child reaches age 5.
In some cases, Dr. Valencia may recommend more frequent screenings based on your child’s family and medical history. For instance, more screenings may be necessary if your child had a low birth weight or has a history of exposure to lead paint or other toxins.
Dr. Valencia and her staff can create a customized screening timeline to address your child’s specific needs.
What can I expect during a developmental screening?
Dr. Valencia may use a variety of screening tools during her assessment. She starts each screening with a comprehensive discussion about any questions or concerns you have pertaining to your child’s development.
During the screening, Dr. Valencia observes your child’s movements and behaviors, evaluating how your child interacts with her and noting any delays. Dr. Valencia can also provide you with information and guidance for recognizing potential developmental delays in your child between appointments.
To learn more about the importance of developmental screenings, call Valencia Pediatrics or schedule a consultation online today.
