Did you know the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends periodic developmental and behavioral screening for all children during regular well-child visits at 9 months, 18 months, 24, and 30 months? In addition, AAP also recommends that all children be screened specifically for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during their 18-month and 24-month visits.

Every child’s development is unique, and young children may begin to show differences in their development across social-emotional, motor, communication, and attention skills in these early years. At Elevated Insights Assessment we recognize that early detection of possible developmental differences is key to promote success. Our Young Child Assessment Team is specially trained in Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) and is able to evaluate children as young as 18 months of age. Our developmental evaluations will help identify emerging areas of strength and vulnerability that can then lead to early intervention (EI). Intervention provided earlier rather than later in development can change your child’s developmental trajectory and improve all outcomes. We use evidence-based measures and strongly value a collaborative approach including caregiver input as your child’s biggest advocate and supporter. Our team approaches these evaluations with the goal of understanding your whole child, rather than focusing on a specific diagnosis.

Talk to your pediatrician and nurses about your child’s developmental frequently. Remember that after your baby turns 2 years old, they may go an entire year without another check-up. Young children with developmental differences may show:

  • Differences in use of verbal and nonverbal language
  • Differences in their fine or gross motor skills (frequent falling, bumping into things, challenges with dressing, using utensils)
  • Differences in energy and attentional control (excess energy, excitable, hard to calm or hard time staying focused on one activity, seems “forgetful,” can be difficult to teach)
  • Differences in eating or sleeping patterns (picky eating or disruptive sleep)
  • Difference in gastrointestinal issues (such as fears of the toilet and/ or constipation)

For young children making the transition to school, our young child team can help you determine their school readiness skills. Will your child thrive in a Montessori based classroom or reach their potential in an educational environment which is more structured? Will your child qualify for accelerated learning programs or benefit from special education services? Our Young Child Assessment Team at Elevated Insights can help your family understand what your child needs to thrive within their early educational experiences.

Elevated Insights also offers school readiness evaluations which are often prerequisites to admission into private education programs. Private school programs frequently require cognitive and/or basic academic achievement testing to support your entrance application.