• 1 week ago

Developmental Delay Screening in Infants and Children

What Is Developmental Delay Screening?

Developmental delay screening is the systematic process of monitoring a child’s age-appropriate skills across several domains, including movement, speech, learning, and emotional interaction. The goal is to identify early signs of delay so that children can receive the support they need during the most critical stages of brain development.

Developmental delays do not usually resolve on their own. The longer support is delayed, the more complex the intervention can become. This is why the principle of “early detection, early support” is foundational in child development.

What Does a Developmental Delay Mean?

A developmental delay occurs when a child does not reach age-specific milestones in one or more areas: gross or fine motor skills, language and communication, cognitive functioning, or social–emotional skills. The delay can affect just one domain (e.g., speech) or span several areas simultaneously.

Importantly, a developmental delay is not a diagnosis, but a signal that a child may benefit from further evaluation and support. It allows healthcare providers and families to step in early—before challenges become entrenched.

Domains Where Delays Can Occur

Motor Development Delays:

  • Late sitting, crawling, or walking

  • Poor coordination or clumsiness

  • Trouble with tasks like holding a spoon or stacking blocks

Language and Communication Delays:

  • Few or no words by 18 months

  • Lack of response to name or basic commands

  • Difficulty expressing needs

Cognitive Delays:

  • Trouble understanding concepts

  • Difficulty following routines or solving simple problems

  • Limited attention or inability to play purposefully

Social and Emotional Delays:

  • Avoids eye contact

  • Difficulty playing with others

  • Excessive tantrums or rigid routines

When and How Are Screenings Performed?

Developmental screenings should be conducted at regular intervals, especially in the first years of life:

  • Ages 0–2 years: at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months
  • Ages 2–6 years: at least every 6 months
  • Anytime a concern is raised by a parent or caregiver, regardless of schedule

Screening includes structured tools and clinical observation—not just checking what the child can do, but how they do it, how they respond, and how they progress over time.

Which Screening Tools Are Used?

At Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu’s clinic, developmental screening combines validated tools, clinical expertise, and parental input for a full picture of the child’s growth.

Common tools include:

  • Denver II Developmental Screening Test: Assesses gross/fine motor, language, and personal–social skills
  • GEÇGE (Gazi Early Childhood Development Inventory): Developed specifically for Turkish children
  • ASQ – Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Parent-completed developmental checklist
  • CARS, DİLGE, CBCL: Used in cases of suspected autism, speech delay, or behavioral concerns

Each tool is chosen based on the child’s age, developmental level, and observed concerns.

What Happens After Screening?

Based on the results, children are classified into three pathways:

  • Typical Development: Routine monitoring continues

  • At-Risk Development: More frequent follow-ups and at-home support strategies

  • Developmental Delay Detected:

    • Referrals to appropriate specialists (e.g., speech therapists, physical therapists, child development experts)

    • Creation of an early intervention plan

    • Family education and home-based activities to support growth

Screening does not mean a problem exists—but it tells us where to look more closely and how to prevent long-term difficulties.

When Should Parents Request Screening?

  • If your child is significantly behind peers in speech, movement, or social skills
  • If there’s a loss of previously acquired skills
  • If the child shows unusual behaviors (e.g., repetitive movements, extreme distress during transitions)
  • If you have an instinctive feeling that “something isn’t right”
  • If there’s a family history of developmental conditions

Never wait for someone else to raise the concern. Parents are often the first and best observers.

What Developmental Screening with Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu Includes

  • Detailed interviews with caregivers to gather history
  • Observation of play, behavior, and interaction
  • Administration of age-appropriate screening tools
  • Summary of strengths and needs in each developmental area
  • Individualized support plan and referrals when needed

Clear communication and emotional support for families