Early Identification of Developmental Delays Through Surveillance, Screening, and Diagnostic Evaluation

摘要

Developmental and behavioral problems in young children are prevalent in the United States. While young children experience an increased prevalence of such problems, a lack of early identification services continues to exist. Not only are early identification services required under American law, such as the Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, these services increase access to appropriate care and improve developmental outcomes. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the range of early identification services available during early childhood. These services include surveillance, screening, and developmental and medical diagnostic evaluation. Findings from a web-based survey are summarized to illustrate screening practices of community health care providers in a Midwestern state. Recommendations to improve early identification practices on the basis of the literature and the findings from the survey are discussed.