Child health care providers are in a unique position to promote children’s development, monitor developmental status, and identify early signs of developmental and behavioral concerns. In the early years, there are numerous opportunities to engage with families of young children during periodic well-child visits. Additionally, parents report seeking guidance about development, learning, and behavior from medical professionals, like their pediatrician, more than family members and friends.
In a busy practice, it can be challenging to stay on top of the latest information about screening, community resources, and referral mechanisms for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a developmental screening at four milestone periods within the first 30 months during well child visits and autism-specific screenings twice during the first 24 months. We can help.
“I have been advocating for early developmental assessment for three decades. Educating health care providers on screening tools helped us to get the first referral for speech delay from age 3 years to 17 months of age. The local and state leadership of the Help Me Grow team has brought healthcare practitioners and parents together through access to validated useful resources.”
–Chris Landon MD FAAP, FCCP, CMD, FRSM
Director of Pediatrics
Ventura County Medical Center
