Are Developmental Monitoring and Screening Different?

Monitoring your child’s growth and development is essential. Small changes in movement, speech, or behavior can signal developmental delays that may affect their ability to learn and thrive. Thankfully, several tools make tracking your child’s development easier.

At Sunny Hill Pediatrics in Frisco, Texas,  Dr. Jung and our caring team offer both developmental monitoring and developmental screening. Read on to learn the difference between these two techniques and how they work together.

Understanding developmental monitoring

Developmental monitoring encourages parents to regularly observe their children’s growth and behavior. It aims to identify key growth markers in areas such as learning, playing, speaking, and moving. 

If you’re a new parent, noticing developmental delays can be challenging. The CDC offers a checklist of developmental milestones to help. Review the list to see if your child is meeting specific milestones. If you have concerns after reviewing it, make an appointment with Dr. Jung.

Understanding developmental screening

Developmental screening is more in-depth than developmental monitoring. It involves routine checkups with a specialist,  such as a pediatrician, who is trained in childhood development. At each visit, the expert evaluates your child’s intellect and development, identifying any changes that occur at specific points in time.

The formal structure of developmental screening makes it easier to identify potential setbacks. Since it’s performed by trained professionals, like Dr. Jung, it can also provide peace of mind for new parents. 

If Dr. Jung identifies any developmental concerns during routine screenings, he can make treatment recommendations or refer you to a pediatric specialist with specific expertise.

How developmental monitoring and screening work together

Even though developmental monitoring and screening are different, they work hand-in-hand to identify potential health problems. 

For example, a parent who regularly monitors their infant might notice the child struggles to sit up, roll over, or crawl –– all factors that could indicate a developmental delay. The parent then schedules a developmental screening with their child’s pediatrician, who can run specific tests to identify the underlying cause. 

This helps reduce stress, but it also allows for early intervention. For example, many developmental delays can be managed with therapy and/or special education. Although developmental issues can’t always be cured, prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve health outcomes and your child’s quality of life. 

What happens if my child is diagnosed with a developmental delay?

If developmental screening determines your child has a developmental delay, it’s normal to worry. However, most developmental delays resolve on their own over time.

Dr. Jung and our caring team have years of experience treating developmental delays. We provide most services on site but also work closely with speech, physical, and occupational therapists and other pediatric specialists to support children and their families.

Request developmental screening for your child today!

Developmental monitoring and screening are vital for understanding and supporting your child’s growth and development. If you’re concerned your child isn’t meeting specific milestones, contact Sunny Hill Pediatrics today. 

After a personalized, developmental screening session, we can develop a treatment plan that helps your child catch up to their peers and live a healthy, happy life. Call the office in Frisco, Texas, or click our online booking feature.