Tips for Preparing Your Child for Developmental Screenings

Developmental screenings are an important part of your child’s early care, helping identify milestones, strengths, and any areas where your child might need extra support. At Dr. Q Pediatrics in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Marie R. Quiñonez provides thoughtful, age-appropriate screenings for children from infancy through early childhood. These visits aren’t tests your child can pass or fail; they’re tools to help track growth and development. If your child is unsure about them, you can help them feel calm and supported by knowing what to expect.

Why Developmental Screenings Matter

Developmental screenings look at how your child is growing in areas such as speech and language, movement, social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. These milestones give a general timeline of what most children are doing at certain ages, though every child grows at their own pace.

Dr. Quiñonez uses validated screening tools during regular well-child visits to monitor progress and check for early signs of developmental delays. Identifying these early gives your child the best chance to benefit from therapeutic services, often before challenges become more disruptive in school or at home.

What Parents Can Expect During a Screening

Depending on your child’s age, you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire, observe your child during certain activities, or answer questions about your child’s behavior at home. Screenings might cover:

• How your child communicates (cooing, babbling, speaking)
• Motor skills (grasping, crawling, walking)
• Social and play behaviors (eye contact, pretend play)
• Attention span or response to direction

Dr. Quiñonez reviews these results with you and explains what they mean. If anything seems outside the typical range, she’ll recommend the next steps, sometimes just close observation, or in other cases, a referral for more detailed evaluation or support services.

How To Help Your Child Feel Comfortable

Developmental screenings at our Orlando, Florida, practice don’t have to be stressful. These tips can help your child feel more at ease:

• Talk about the visit in advance. Let your child know they’re going to see a doctor who wants to learn more about how they play, talk, and move.
• Bring a familiar item. A favorite toy or comfort object can help them relax.
• Schedule when your child is rested. Try to avoid scheduling screenings during nap times or mealtimes so they’re more likely to be cooperative and focused.
• Be honest. Avoid telling your child it won’t involve any questions or interaction, as kids pick up on mixed signals. Instead, keep the explanation simple and positive.

Partnering With You at Every Stage

Dr. Marie R. Quiñonez believes that developmental screenings are most valuable when they’re part of a bigger conversation with parents who know their child best. At Dr. Q Pediatrics, serving families in Orlando, Oviedo, and Alafaya, FL, you’ll find a welcoming environment where you can ask questions, share concerns, and make informed decisions about your child’s development.

If your child has an upcoming well visit or if you’d like to schedule a screening between checkups, contact us by calling (407) 275-5700.