Developmental Screenings vs. Developmental Monitoring: Understanding the Difference

Every parent gets excited when their child utters their first word or takes their first step. Other exciting milestones include your child’s first smile, clap, wave, roll over, and crawl. These milestones are part of their physical, social, and emotional development. 

While developmental screenings don’t produce the same excitement, they’re also essential assessments for your child. At Sima Stein, MD, located in San Jose, California, board-certified pediatrician Dr. Stein can help explain the importance of and difference between developmental screenings and developmental monitoring, and why both are important for your child’s health and well-being.

What are developmental screenings?

Developmental screenings are formal assessments recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. They consist of questions and checklists parents and doctors answer together about your child’s development. 

The AAP recommends screenings at 9, 18, and 30 months. However, if a parent notices a problem or has a concern, Dr. Stein can conduct them more often. These screenings don’t diagnose a developmental disability but help doctors identify potential learning and behavioral issues. 

If Dr. Stein flags a concern, she may recommend additional testing. Identifying an issue early is vital so your child can receive support and treatment. These services can help improve their life and minimize physical, learning, language, or behavioral problems. One in four children under the age of 6 is at risk of a developmental delay or disability.

What is developmental monitoring?

Developmental monitoring and screening go hand in hand and often overlap. Many developmental milestones are included in developmental screening questionnaires. However, developmental monitoring is more observational, and developmental screening is a formal assessment.

You probably do developmental monitoring every day with your child, marveling at and noting how they’re changing and growing up. Developmental milestones focus on how your baby communicates, moves, acts, and learns. 

Since every child grows at a different pace, most milestones usually have an age range. For example, your baby should be able to hold something in their hand between 4 and 8 months old. Some babies walk as early as 9 months, while others don’t take their first steps until 16 months old.

If you notice that your baby isn’t meeting a certain milestone, schedule an appointment with Dr. Stein if you’re concerned. She can provide information about developmental milestones and screenings and also perform screenings. Call our friendly office staff at 408.214.1337 today, click here to book an appointment online now.