Pediatric services
Developmental Screening
Checking speech, movement, learning and social skills at well visits, and helping you take next steps if needed.
At well-child visits, Dr. Ilyayeva checks how your child is moving, talking, playing and learning. The AAP recommends formal developmental screening at 9, 18 and 30 months and autism screening at 18 and 24 months, and we use the standard questionnaires for both. For teens, we also screen for depression once a year from age 12. A screening questionnaire isn't a diagnosis: we go over the results with you and, if needed, refer for a full evaluation.
Who it's for
All infants and young children as part of their well-child visits, any child whose parent or teacher has a concern about speech, movement, behavior or learning, and teens at their yearly checkups (depression screening).
What happens at the visit
- Questions about the milestones your child has reached
- A short questionnaire at recommended ages
- The Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), a parent questionnaire about communication, movement, problem-solving and social skills, at the ages the AAP recommends (9, 18 and 30 months)
- The M-CHAT-R/F (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up), a parent questionnaire that screens for signs of autism, at 18 and 24 months
- For teens, the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 depression questionnaires, once a year from age 12, as the AAP recommends
- Watching your child move, play and communicate during the exam
- A discussion of results and next steps, such as a referral for evaluation
How to prepare
- Think about what your child can do now: words, sounds, movement, play.
- Bring notes or videos if you've noticed something that worries you.
- Bring any reports from daycare, school or therapists.
When to contact the office
You don't have to wait for the next well-child visit. Call if you're concerned about your child's speech, movement, behavior or learning, or if your child loses skills they used to have.
Our approach
Parents often notice things first. We take your observations seriously and help connect your family with the right evaluation when needed. In New York City, children under 3 with a possible delay can be referred to the Early Intervention Program, and parents can also call 311 to refer their child themselves.
Insurance
Coverage depends on your child's plan. See our insurance page and check your child's benefits with your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
What is developmental screening?
A short, standardized check of skills like communication, movement and social development, done with a questionnaire you fill out. We use the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and, for autism, the M-CHAT-R/F.
At what ages is it done?
The AAP recommends screening at 9, 18 and 30 months, and autism screening at 18 and 24 months, plus milestone checks at every visit.
Do you screen teens for depression?
Yes. The AAP recommends depression screening once a year from age 12. Teens fill out a short questionnaire (the PHQ-2, and the longer PHQ-9 when needed), and Dr. Ilyayeva talks the results over with them and their family.
What happens if a screen shows a concern?
A screen isn't a diagnosis. We'll discuss results and, if needed, refer your child for a full evaluation.
Where can I track milestones at home?
The CDC's free Milestone Tracker app is a helpful tool.
Related
Sources for parents
Schedule a well-child visit
Call the office to book.