Developmental Screenings at
The Piedmont Clinic

“Is my child on track?”
It’s one of the most common — and important — questions we hear. Developmental screenings help us answer it with clarity and care.

What Are Developmental Screenings?

Developmental screenings are short, structured evaluations used to check how your child is growing — physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

We use them to make sure your child is hitting the right milestones at the right time. Walking, talking, focusing, playing — it all matters. And when something’s off, early detection can make all the difference.

These screenings are built into regular well-child visits but can also be scheduled anytime you have a concern. The earlier we know something, the sooner we can help.

What Do We Look For?

Our screenings are age-specific and look at core areas of development:

Speech & Language: Can they speak clearly? Follow directions? Form sentences?
Motor Skills: How do they move, balance, draw, or pick things up?
Social Interaction: Do they make eye contact, respond to their name, or engage with others?
Cognitive Abilities: Can they solve simple problems, recognize patterns, or follow routines?
Emotional Regulation: How do they respond to stress, frustration, or changes in environment?

It’s not about pass or fail — it’s about understanding where your child is and giving them the support they need to thrive.

When Should Developmental Screenings Be Done?

Screenings are typically done during key well-child visits:

9 months
18 months
24 or 30 months
Annually after age 3

However, if you’ve noticed something that feels off — even slightly — you don’t have to wait. We’ll take your concerns seriously and start the process right away.

What Happens If a Delay Is Found?

First, take a breath.

Delays are common — and they don’t always mean something serious. In many cases, kids catch up with just a little extra help.

Here’s how we handle it:

We Talk With You First – Your insights matter.
We Refer Thoughtfully – Whether it’s speech therapy, occupational therapy, or a developmental specialist, we’ll connect you to the right resource.
We Stay Involved – We don’t just refer and forget. We continue monitoring your child and adjust care as needed.

It’s a team effort — and you’re never doing it alone.

Why It Matters

Kids grow at their own pace. But some red flags can’t be ignored.
Early intervention leads to better outcomes — in school, at home, and in life.

Developmental screenings are one of the simplest, most powerful tools we have to make sure your child gets everything they need to succeed.

Start the conversation today.

Let’s make sure nothing slips through the cracks — and every milestone gets the celebration it deserves.