Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions that stem from an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. This group covers a range of disabilities, thought to be caused by a mix of factors, including genetics, parent health behaviors, complications at birth, and environmental factors, but for which many of which the cause is unknown. 

Developmental disabilities are suspected when there is a significant lag in developmental milestones. This makes developmental screening and surveillance by pediatricians and caregivers vital to identifying potential conditions and ensuring early intervention. 

Pediatricians can support the identification, diagnosis and treatment of developmental and behavioral conditions within a variety of practice settings. More complex cases may be referred to a developmental-behavioral pediatrician. 

Resources

Websites

Promoting Optimal Development: Identifying Infants and Young Children with Developmental Disorders Through Developmental Surveillance and Screening

Clinical guidance as published in the journal Pediatrics. 

How to Identify a Developmental Concern

Highlights the differences between developmental surveillance and screening and includes free resources to assist with conducting developmental surveillance.

Establishing Trusting Relationships with Families and Caregivers through Developmental Surveillance and Screening

Demonstrates the importance of strengths-based developmental surveillance and screening. The article provides practical strategies and examples to help establish trusting relationships with families and caregivers.

Prioritizing and Facilitating Developmental Referrals

Highlights the importance of making referrals early and often, in addition to important considerations for families and caregivers when a clinician initiates a referral. The article includes a link to the free, family-friendly referral guide to assist families or caregivers with the next steps following a developmental referral.

Don’t Hide Behind a Screen: A Medical Approach to Developmental Assessment & Diagnosis

A PowerPoint presentation from developmental-behavioral pediatrician Dr. Bob Voigt. 

Motor Delays: Early Identification and Evaluation

This article from the journal Pediatrics offers an algorithm for the surveillance and screening of children for motor delays within the medical home, and guidance for the initial workup and referral. 

Developmental Disabilities Basics

An overview from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Multimedia

Learn the Signs. Act Early

Videos from the CDC campaign for both pediatricians and parents. 

BoggsCast

A podcast from The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities where faculty and staff explore best practice, showcase success stories, featuring interviews with state and national experts.

Training

Child Development and Disability PediaLink courses

These free courses were developed through a cooperative agreement between the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Course topics include the following: developmental surveillance and screening, Tourette Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, ADHD and Anxiety Disorders etc.

Safe Sleep

Tools and resources to help pediatricians and health care professionals provide education and guidance to parents and caregivers on infant safe sleep. 

Identifying Infants and Young Children with Developmental Disorders Through Developmental Surveillance and Screening

Webinar produced through the AAP Pediatric Care Online on the report and clinical guidelines of the same name. 

This resource was made possible through the generous support of AAP donors to the Friends of Children Fund.

Last Updated

01/14/2026

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics