# At what age should my child have a first developmental screening? Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/at-what-age-should-my-child-have-a-first-developmental-screening Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited Developmental screening begins in infancy and continues as a rhythm of check-ins. Trusted paediatric guidance recommends broad developmental screening at the 9-, 18- and 24-or-30-month well-child visits, with autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months, plus gentle monitoring at every visit in between. Screening does not diagnose — it shows whether a supportive closer look would help. If you ever have a concern at any age, that is reason enough to screen sooner; you never need to wait. *Wondering when to begin watching your child's development is one of the most caring questions a parent can ask — and the good news is that screening starts beautifully early.* ## In short Developmental screening is not a one-time event — it begins in infancy and continues through the early years. Trusted paediatric guidance recommends **broad developmental and behavioural screening at the 9-month, 18-month, and 24-or-30-month** well-child visits, with a dedicated **autism-specific screen at 18 and 24 months**. Between these checkpoints, every routine visit includes gentle developmental monitoring. If you ever have a concern — at any age — that is reason enough to screen sooner; you never need to wait for the next milestone visit. ## When screening happens Think of screening as a rhythm of reassuring check-ins rather than a single test: - **Ongoing monitoring** at every well-child visit from birth — your clinician watches how your baby moves, looks, listens and connects. - **9 months** — a structured screen covering motor, communication and early social development. - **18 months** — broad developmental screening *plus* a dedicated autism screen. - **24 or 30 months** — another broad developmental screen and autism screen, catching skills that emerge a little later. Screening is short, gentle and play-based. It does not diagnose anything — it simply tells you and your clinician whether a closer, supportive look would be helpful. A clear screen brings peace of mind; a flagged area opens an early door to support, when help works best. ## When to screen sooner A scheduled age is a minimum, not a ceiling. Bring your child for a developmental check at **any age** if you notice few or no words, not responding to their name, little eye contact or shared smiling, not pointing, difficulty with sitting or walking when expected, or the loss of a skill once had. Parent instinct is valuable clinical information — what you notice every day matters. ## The Pinnacle way This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care. Across [70+ centres in 4 states](/), our clinicians turn a simple screen into a warm, clear picture of your child's strengths and next steps. If language is your concern, our [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) team can guide you with the right early support. ## Trusted sources American Academy of Pediatrics (healthychildren.org) recommends developmental and behavioural screening at the 9-, 18- and 30-month visits, with autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months; CDC's "Learn the Signs, Act Early" programme supports ongoing milestone monitoring at every visit and acting promptly on any concern. **Next step —** You don't need to wait for the next birthday. [Book a developmental screening](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/enroll-autism-speech-aba-therapies-india) with a Pinnacle clinician for a calm, play-based check of your child's milestones. ## Sources - AAP — developmental and behavioural screening schedule: https://www.healthychildren.org - CDC — developmental monitoring and screening: https://www.cdc.gov/child-development ## Connected topics and perspectives - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Concern: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/concern - Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen - Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/screen - Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity ## Related question paths ### Understand the subject - How a Free Developmental Screening Works for a Young Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-a-free-developmental-screening-work-for-a-young-child - At What Age Can a Child Start Early Intervention?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/at-what-age-can-a-child-start-early-intervention - Do I Need a Doctor's Referral for a Developmental Screening?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-i-need-a-doctor-s-referral-for-a-developmental-screening - What is a developmental screening, and is it really free?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-a-developmental-screening-and-is-it-really-free ### Recognise signs & concerns - What happens if my child's developmental screening flags a concern?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-happens-if-my-child-s-developmental-screening-flags-a-concern ### Explore therapy & support - When to Assess Your Child's Development: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-get-my-child-s-development-assessed - Should I get my 6-to-9-month-old assessed for development?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-i-get-my-6-to-9-month-old-assessed-for-development - Should I Get My 9-to-12-Month-Old Assessed for Development?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-i-get-my-9-to-12-month-old-assessed-for-development - Is my child too young to be assessed for developmental concerns?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-my-child-too-young-to-be-assessed-for-developmental-concerns