Developmental Screening for Children and Teens

What is developmental screening

Developmental screening is not a diagnosis. It is a quick set of questions and observations that flag children who could benefit from a fuller developmental evaluation. Typical screenings look at language and communication, social and emotional skills, fine and gross motor skills, and problem solving.

Common tools used by clinicians and pediatric providers include parent questionnaires and brief clinician observations. Examples you may hear about are the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and short autism screens such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers which help indicate whether a child should be referred for more in depth testing.

When a screening indicates concern, the next step is a diagnostic evaluation, which is more detailed, or referral to therapies that support development. At Psychological Preventative Health, PLLC we view screening as the first step in a prevention oriented pathway that leads to targeted supports and family centered planning.

Why developmental screening matters in Ogden and nearby communities

Local access to timely screening matters because early differences in communication, regulation or motor skills affect a child across home, school and social settings. In Ogden, Salt Lake, Ogden North and Logan families, early identification helps avoid prolonged wait times for services and allows schools and providers to coordinate supports sooner.

We also consider context when we screen. Cultural background, language, and family dynamics shape how a child shows skills. A screening result is one piece of information. We combine it with parent concerns, teacher input, and developmental history to recommend appropriate next steps.

Key concepts to know

• Screening versus evaluation. Screening is quick and flagging. Evaluation is comprehensive and diagnostic.
• Milestones are guides. Milestones from infancy to adolescence help track expected skills, but children develop at different rates.
• Risk factors and red flags. Prematurity, a family history of language or learning differences, limited social smiling, or loss of skills merit closer attention.
• Parent observation matters. Parents and caregivers provide essential information that informs screening results.
• Culture and language. Screening tools may need adaptation or interpretation when a child speaks multiple languages.
• Follow up is essential. A flagged screen does not always mean a disorder. It means further evaluation or monitoring is advised.

How screening is used and what to expect

Screening typically takes 10 to 30 minutes. It may be a parent questionnaire completed before a visit or a brief interaction observed by a clinician. If a screen is positive, we explain the meaning, outline next steps, and offer options for evaluation and supports.

1. Initial screen. A parent questionnaire or clinician observation flags areas of concern.
2. Gathering context. We review developmental history, medical background, and family priorities.
3. Referral for evaluation. When needed, we refer for psychological, speech language, occupational or multidisciplinary testing.
4. Planning supports. Results guide therapy choices such as early intervention, school based supports, or targeted family therapy.

Common questions parents ask

How is screening different from a formal evaluation

Screening is a brief check for possible concerns. A formal evaluation is comprehensive, often standardized, and can result in diagnostic conclusions and eligibility for services.

Which ages should be screened

Routine screening is common in early childhood, often at periodic well child visits. However, screening can be helpful at any age when parents notice differences in language, social skills, attention, motor skills or learning.

What are common red flags

Red flags include limited babbling or speech by expected ages, minimal eye contact or social smile, loss of previously acquired skills, or persistent difficulty with coordination. Any sustained parental concern is reason to request screening or follow up.

Checklist: When to consider asking for screening

How screening connects to our services

Screening helps us match families with the right supports. When screening suggests follow up, families may be referred to tailored services including Children Therapy, individual support through Individual Therapy, or family centered work like Family Therapy. For veterans and adults whose developmental histories interact with other concerns, we coordinate with Veteran Therapy.

When sensory or experiential supports are helpful, we may recommend experiential options such as Equine Therapy as part of a broader plan. Our clinicians are certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and use evidence informed approaches to shape goals and supports.

Related topics and further reading

For more on how we approach treatment goals, trauma sensitivity and prevention oriented care see our pages on Trauma Informed Care and on evidence based approaches in therapy.

Authoritative external resources on developmental milestones and screening include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on milestones and early signs and the American Academy of Pediatrics parent resources at HealthyChildren.org which describe developmental surveillance and screening recommendations.

CDC milestone resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention milestones

AAP parent guidance: HealthyChildren.org developmental resources

Related locations

We serve families across the Ogden area and surrounding communities including Salt Lake, Ogden North and Logan. To see where we provide services and how to find our offices, view our locations and areas served.