Developmental Screenings

Developmental Screenings

CASAs have the unique opportunity to advocate for interventions that could help children’s developmental growth and future success. Often children who have been traumatized or neglected display developmental red flags and could have developmental delays and challenges that need to be addressed.

Developmental screeners are used to identify potential red flags and make accurate referrals for therapeutic interventions. They are different from observations in that they are published tools that can be used in multiple areas of children’s lives and are taught to and used by different types of professionals.

REFLECTION QUESTION

Have any parent/caregivers or foster parents brought up their concerns regarding their child’s development? How did you handle those types of questions?

What is a Developmental Screener?

A screener is a brief evaluation tool designed to identify children who are at risk or who have a developmental delay and should receive a more intensive diagnostic assessment from a local Regional Center (RC), education center, early intervention center (for example, Child Development Institute or LA Child Guidance), or a mental health agency. Screenings provide a snapshot of a child’s current developmental level. The information received from a developmental screener gives information about how that child is progressing at this very moment in time and allows us to see what developmental steps or milestones to anticipate for the child.

The information obtained by a screener provides the parent/caregivers and others involved in the children’s cases with guidance on preventive measures that can be taken to help possible developmental delays. It also provides a framework for educating families about what to expect in their children’s development, how they can promote healthy development, and the benefits of monitoring development.

Developmental screenings do not provide a child with a diagnosis because they do not have to be performed by professionals who make diagnoses. Depending on the type of screener, anyone trained in administering the screener can perform it. Screeners can be used as precursors to professional assessments, which are thorough evaluations conducted by professionals to determine and diagnose a child’s developmental delay or area of concern.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened at regular pediatric visits – whether or not there are questions or concerns about development. The recommended screening intervals are for the 9, 18 and 30 months preventive well baby visits.[5] CASAs can contact pediatricians to request information about any screening already conducted for your information and documentation.

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