You should start taking your child for wellness checks a few days after birth. From your child’s first few days in the world through the teen years, a pediatrician will ensure they are meeting key milestones and can provide intervention when possible. When you schedule medical visits at Just Kids Pediatrics, you have professionals who know what to look for. Dr. Kerry Kirifides and Dr. Sonia Shastry are your pediatricians who can walk any parent through their child’s developmental screening in Newark, DE.

Milestones to Focus on at a Developmental Screening in Newark, DE

A standard developmental check focuses on important markers that track your child's overall growth and development. It includes your child's physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral development at certain ages. Your child should experience certain language, motor, and emotional growth within specific timeframes. 

Doctors assess how well your children can speak and how many words they have. A standard child should go from cooing to babbling to forming a few solid words around the age of one. At two years old, they should have a vocabulary of about 50 words and be understood by adults around them. 

At six months, your baby should be able to sit up without assistance. They should go from rolling on their stomach to crawling to eventually standing and walking on their own. A growing baby will start pulling themselves up to a stand. Soon, they will hold onto furniture while moving and eventually stand without support. Walking usually happens between nine and twelve months.

Even before children can verbally express themselves with clear words, they should show awareness of their environment by following objects and people with their eyes. Your doctor will also look for typical growth patterns to see if your child is undernourished or overweight for their age.

How Do Pediatricians Measure Development

One of the easiest methods your doctors use is general developmental surveillance. They observe how well your child speaks, behaves, and shows interest in playing. Doctors notice whether or not the child makes eye contact and follows objects with their eyes. They also work from standard checklists and questionnaires to gather information from parents. At ages 18 and 24 months, doctors may specifically test for autism spectrum disorder. Weight and height measurements are taken to ensure regular growth spurts are occurring, and your child is at a healthy BMI.

Dr. Kirifides and Dr. Shastry are your local pediatricians who will conduct a thorough wellness exam and monitor the development of your child. If your child shows signs of delay, prompt medical attention can help. When it is time for a developmental screening in Newark, DE, call Just Kids Pediatrics at (302) 918-6400.