Developmental assessment in children

Approximately 16% of children in the United States have developmental delay, many of whom are not diagnosed until school age. Surveillance of pediatric developmental milestones alone is insufficient for identification of developmental disorders. Based on current evidence, recommendations vary regarding formal screening for developmental delay in children. Physicians who care for children must often overcome obstacles to routinely implement screening for developmental disorders using validated tools. Despite evidence that early intervention for developmental delay improves outcomes, referral patterns for these services remain inconsistent. Family physicians should be familiar with available screening instruments for developmental delay that may be applicable to their practice, as well as local resources for additional evaluation and referral for early intervention.