Developmental Screening

Pediatric Developmental Screening Near Me in Frisco, TX

Pediatric Developmental Screening in Frisco, TX

Ensuring your child’s developmental milestones are on track is essential for their overall growth and well-being. At Pediatric Associates of Frisco, our dedicated medical team provides comprehensive developmental screenings to monitor your child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional progress. We collaborate closely with families to offer personalized guidance and resources, creating a nurturing environment that supports your child’s optimal development.

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The development of our children is an incredibly important topic. Sometimes we can take our children’s development for granted, expecting things to run smoothly with minimal issue. However, when obstacles are encountered, it can be difficult for parents to know what to do next. Thankfully, there are medical professionals who are expertly trained in pediatric development and can help parents understand their children’s progress.

What is a pediatric developmental evaluation?

A developmental assessment involves an evaluation by a professional or a team of professionals from different specialties. This may include a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, social worker, speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, psychological associate, and/or other clinicians with expertise in child development. The assessment may involve multiple visits over a period of time.

During a developmental assessment, parents should expect to discuss the growth and development of their child. Parents’ input is very important as they know their children best. For the first appointment, it is also important to bring any reports regarding your child. A developmental assessment of young children may involve having the child look at pictures, play with toys, puzzles and blocks, answer questions, draw and/or completing pencil and paper type tasks. With your approval and signed consent, the pediatric development specialist may consult with the school staff and other professionals involved with your child. Most children really enjoy their time playing and interacting during the pediatric development evaluation.
Parents will have the opportunity to discuss the findings, impressions, and recommendations with the examiner when the assessment is completed. Normally, a report summarizing these results and recommendations is written, and then provided to the parents and the referring physician. You may also wish to provide a copy of the report to your child’s school or child care.

What should children be screened for in developmental delays?

Common developmental delays that should be screened for (with approximate prevalence %) include:
  • Speech and language impairment (6%)
  • Learning disabilities (8%)
  • Attention deficit disorder (ADD) (7%)
Less common conditions include:
    • Mental retardation (1%–2%)
    • Cerebral palsy (0.2%)
    • Autism and autism spectrum disorders (0.5%)
According to the US Department of Education, just over 13% of school-age children are in special education. Most of these children are diagnosed with learning disabilities or mental retardation.

When should a child see a developmental pediatrician?

Common signs your child may need to see a developmental pediatrician are: Eye Contact Appears to be a Struggle – If your child struggles to make eye contact, does not follow moving objects with their eyes or does not show recognition by pointing, it could indicate a cognitive disorder or potentially autism. No Response When Their Name is Called – After hearing loss or language problems have been ruled out, these signs could indicate a brain development problem associate with the eyes or ears. Delayed Speech and Motor Skills – If your child is displaying a delay in speech and motor skills, they should be seen by a developmental pediatrician, as this could be indicative that your child is struggling with mental growth. Problems with Regular Behaviors – If they appear to have basic regulatory disorders such as feeding problems, sleeping disorders, toilet-training issues, difficulties with discipline or enuresis (urinating in bed) or encopresis (involuntary defecation), they may need a developmental pediatrician. Learning Problems – Learning problems such as dyslexia, writing difficulties and problems with math can be hard for parents to identify because they are not present with their children at school. These are all issues that may need to be addressed by a developmental pediatrician. Attention Issues – Problems paying attention, staying focused on one task and oppositional-defiance are all signs of attention-deficit disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. If your child is showing signs of developmental delays, trust the professionals at Pediatric Associates of Frisco, TX to provide a higher level of care. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating children with developmental disorders and can help you understand their condition and provide them with ways to further their development. To request an appointment with our pediatrician, contact our office or schedule one online. We serve patients from Frisco TX, Little Elm TX, The Colony TX, McKinney TX, Prosper TX, Aubrey TX, Oak Point TX, Lakewood Village TX, Plano TX, and Dallas TX.
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