DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING
|
Developmental screening is the first step in the early identification of children at risk for cognitive, motor, communication, or social-emotional delays. These delays may interfere with a child's expected growth, learning, and development. These delays may also warrant further diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation.
Monitoring child development is an important aspect of well child care. However, basic screening does not provide conclusive evidence of developmental delays and or result in diagnoses. When screening results indicate a concern they should be followed by a thorough assessment before appropriate interventions and supports can be recommended. |
With so many different approaches and venues, it can be difficult to coordinate screening efforts. Without this coordination, children who need services sometimes slip through the cracks. Integrated, community-wide screening and early detection/child find systems help prevent this from happening. Community efforts are now being made across the country to develop committees or councils to coordinate development screening and implement consist expectations and processes for following up on the results. A local example of this work is the Southern Illinois Screening Collaborative. The goal of the Collaborative is to maximize the region's capacity to promote and deliver effective and well-coordinated health, developmental and behavioral screenings.
For more information about the Collaborative or to learn more about developmental screening call 1-800-548-5563. |
