Behavioral & Developmental Screening — Early Support Changes Everything
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Early identification of developmental delays and behavioral concerns is one of the most important things a pediatrician can do for a child. The research is consistent: early intervention produces dramatically better outcomes than waiting. At Happy Days Pediatrics, developmental and behavioral screening is a structured, routine part of every well-child visit — not something we do only when a parent raises a concern. We look proactively, because some of the most important findings happen before a parent knows to worry.
Dr. Barakah Day uses validated, age-appropriate screening tools at every developmental milestone visit. When a screen is positive or when Dr. Day has clinical concerns, she takes immediate action — she does not take a wait-and-see approach when a child’s developmental window is open. Early intervention services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and autism specialty programs are all most effective the earlier they begin. Read about Adolescent Medicine.
If you have a specific concern about your child’s development at any age — not just at a scheduled screening visit — please call us. You do not need to wait for an annual exam to raise a developmental question. Your instincts as a parent matter, and we take them seriously.
Read about developmental and behavioral screening from MedlinePlus
What To Expect
- Developmental screening at 9, 18, 24, and 30 months — and any time concerns arise
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) screening at 18 and 24 months (M-CHAT-R)
- Speech and language milestone assessment at every well-child visit
- Gross and fine motor development review
- Social and emotional development observation
- Vision and hearing screening
- School readiness assessment at 4- and 5-year visits
- Referral to early intervention programs (ECI in Texas) when indicated
- Referral to developmental pediatrician, speech therapist, or OT as appropriate
- Coordination with school district special education teams when needed
Conditions We Screen For
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Speech and language delays
Gross motor delays (walking, coordination)
Cognitive and learning delays
Social-emotional developmental concerns
Fine motor delays (hand skills, writing readiness)
Sensory processing differences
Anxiety and behavioral challenges in school-age children
Reading and learning disability indicators
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a developmental screening and a full evaluation?
What is the difference between a developmental screening and a full evaluation?
A: A developmental screening is a brief, standardized tool that identifies children who may need further assessment. It is not a diagnosis. A full developmental evaluation — typically done by a developmental pediatrician or psychologist — is more comprehensive and takes several hours. We help families understand when screening results warrant a full evaluation and guide the referral process.
My child passed all the screenings but I still have concerns. What should I do?
Tell us. Standardized screens are useful tools but they are not perfect. If you have concerns about your child’s development — speech, behavior, social skills, attention, motor skills — we want to hear them even if a screen was negative. Dr. Day will always take parent concerns seriously and investigate further when warranted.
What happens if my child has a positive developmental screen?
A positive screen is the beginning of a process, not a diagnosis. We discuss the results with you, explain what it means, and determine next steps together. This may include a referral to a specialist, enrollment in early intervention, or a repeat screen in a few months. You will never be left wondering what comes next.
How do I get my child into early intervention services in Texas?
In Texas, early intervention services are provided through the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program for children under age 3. After age 3, services are provided through the local school district. We assist families with referrals and can provide documentation to support the evaluation process.
Trust your instincts.
If something feels off, call (210) 816-1330 and let us take a closer look.