This paper specialises in the diagnosis
of children with developmental delays and behavioural
difficulties. This is important as parents often bring their
child’s behaviour or development issues to paediatric
providers first. Over 1/3 of paediatrics visits involve
questions in these areas. Fifteen per cent of children are
diagnosed with developmental disabilities, and yet only
3% receive early intervention services before the age of
3. Early identification of developmental delays and
appropriate referral to early intervention can lead to
better outcomes for children and for society as a whole.
Only a small percentage of developmental issues are
identified before a child enters school. Primary care
doctors can make a difference in identifying children at
an early age.
INTRODUCTION: Disabilities affect more than one
billion people in the world. Nearly one in four people in
the United States is affected by a disability. Mental
illness affects 1 in 5 people in the first 18 years of a
child’s life. These developmental and behavioural issues
are so prevalent, that paediatrics is certain to interact
with children and family members with these conditions.
OBJECTIVES: The goal of this paper is to help
differentiate developmental screening from
developmental surveillance, discuss the American
Academy of Paediatrics recommendations for routine
developmental screening and surveillance, and develop a
plan for implementing them in your practice setting.
Additionally, the paper covers interpreting and
implementing routine developmental screening in a
clinician's practice, describing eligibility criteria for
Early Intervention services, and understanding what
services are available through Early Intervention.
Lastly, this paper covers in great detail and depth
recognizing when and how to make Early Intervention
referrals in a clinician's geographic area, reading and
explaining an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP),
effectively communicating with and supporting families
through the process of developmental screening and
making Early Intervention referral.
METHODS: A case study that is provided by Stanford
University is presented of an 18-year-old boy called
Trevor who displayed risks of potential developmental
delays and went through developmental surveillance and
screening to detect potential development delays. The MCHART-R was utilized with 20 questions with Yes or No
as the option to answer where Yes is a typical response
and No is the response the answer where the child may
show potential risk. However, questions 2, 5, and 12 are
reverse scored meaning No is a typical response and Yes
is the response where the child shows risk. The screening
results of Trevor are revealed in this paper as well as
discussed. On the basis of a mixture of the case study,
independent research by the faculty, and additional
sources, this research was issued and explored.
RESULTS: Trevor’s parents were concerned as the only
words Trevor is able to speak are “mama” and “dada"
and are concerned about Trevor’s risk of possible
language delays. The M-CHART-R of Trevor’s results
has 3 at-risk responses with questions 5, 8, and 12
answering No indicating potential risk for developmental
delay. After evaluating Trevor, it was concluded that
Trevor presented a moderate risk of developmental
delay and should be followed up with additional
questions. As the primary concern for Trevor is his
speech and language. Upon review by the clinician
assigned to Trevor’s case, it was concluded that Trevor
was not at risk for autism. However, a follow-up
appointment was required in terms of Trevor’s speech
and language.
CONCLUSION: This paper is designed to help
physicians, paediatrics, and other medical professionals
as well as any individuals understand the importance of
using developmental screening and surveillance at
recommended intervals, and how to refer to early
intervention services when indicated. One of the primary
aims of this paper was to increase awareness and give
the tools, language, and the desire to identify
developmental issues early. It should also be known
when and where to refer the patients. In addition,
helping children who one may know in working with
their developmental delays and disabilities.