More Pediatricians Screen for Developmental Delays After AAP Offers Screening Tools, Educational Support

​The percent of pediatricians who report screening children for developmental delays tripled between 2002 and 2016, an encouraging trend that has led to more referrals for early intervention, according to a study published in the April 2020 Pediatrics. Over the past decade, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has made important strides in implementing the use of standardized developmental screening at specific well-child visits, according to the study, “Trends in Pediatricians’ Developmental Screening: 2002-2016.” The study, published online March 2, showed that screening rates increased from 21% in 2002 to 48% in 2009. In 2016, 63% of pediatricians reported use of standardized developmental screening tools. Research has shown that children who receive early intervention services for disabilities often experience improved long-term outcomes. In 2006, the AAP released guidelines, updated in 2020, calling for developmental surveillance at every visit and use of a standardized screening tool at the 9-month, 18-month, and 30-month well-child visits. The authors note that the goal is for universal screening in order to avoid any delay in identification and to provide early treatment of problems that may affect children and families for a lifetime. They suggest a need for improved communication between pediatricians and local early intervention professionals.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.