In many different social circles, from doctors and teachers to friends and family members, the importance of developmental screenings is a topic that comes up repeatedly. For parents to provide their children with the best possible opportunities in life, developmental screenings are a required step that you must take early on. However, many people wonder if these tests are a waste of time, overrated by the media, or necessary for parents to have their children take. In my opinion, developmental screenings are an essential part of ensuring that children receive the best life has to offer them. If you have a child, you need to visit an Argyle developmental screenings/ADHD specialist. This article looks at some of the things developmental screenings may look for.

Gross Motor Skills

One of the essential skills that an infant or toddler has to develop is gross motor skills. These are the types of movements, such as walking and running, that take place on a large scale and require more than one muscle group. Gross motor skills often come before fine motor skills when it comes to development milestones. So if your infant isn’t attempting to move their body, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are the opposite of gross motor skills. These are the small muscle movements made with the hands and fingers, used for writing, drawing, eating, etc. If your child doesn’t seem interested in interacting with small toys or isn’t manipulating objects with their fingers like a normal child, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

Language Development

Early on in life, children begin to learn and use language as their primary method of communication with the world around them. Most doctors and psychologists agree that there’s no need for parents to worry if their child is late to start using language, but if your toddler hasn’t started uttering words or sentences after their first birthday, it could be a warning sign.

Problem Solving Skills

A child that can problem solve is an integral part of development that often goes overlooked. Your child may not be able to put together a puzzle or recognize shapes and colors, but this doesn’t mean all hope is lost. If there’s something wrong with your child’s fine motor skills or lack of cognitive ability (not enough exposure to computers, television, etc.), they might not be able to match shapes or colors.

Adaptive Skills

If your child has a disability that is obvious to everyone, they’re likely to need extra help with their adaptive skills that allow them to function in everyday life. If your toddler can’t dress or fix their toys, this could be a sign that they are struggling, and you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

In summary, developmental screenings are an essential part of a child’s life and should not be taken lightly. A specialist will check for gross and fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, adaptive skills, and language development.