community health worker support
When to refer a child for developmental help
Community health volunteers should refer a child for developmental help when milestones are clearly missed for their age, when a child loses skills they once had, when a child does not respond to name or sound, or when a parent is worried. You never diagnose — you spot the pattern and route the family to a proper developmental check. When in doubt, refer.
You are often the first trusted face a family sees — and your instinct that 'something needs a closer look' is one of the most powerful tools in early child development.
In short
Refer a child for developmental help when you notice clear missed milestones for their age, any loss of skills a child once had, a child who does not respond to sound or to their name, or a parent who is worried — parent concern alone is a valid reason to refer. You do not need to diagnose anything. Your job is simply to spot the pattern and connect the family to a proper developmental check; the assessment and any diagnosis happen later, with clinicians.Simple signs that warrant a referral
Use these as easy-to-remember prompts during home visits or community sessions. Refer if you see any of these:Communication & hearing
- No babbling or pointing/gesturing by around 12 months
- No single words by around 16–18 months; no two-word phrases by 2 years
- Does not respond to their name or to loud sounds
Movement
- Not sitting by ~9 months, not walking by ~18 months
- Very stiff or very floppy body; strongly favours one side of the body
Social & play
- Little eye contact, smiling back, or interest in other people
- No pretend play by ~2 years
Always refer — at any age
- Any loss of skills the child already had (words, walking, social interest)
- A parent who feels something is wrong — trust their worry
- A child who simply seems behind brothers, sisters or peers of the same age
When in doubt, refer. An early check that turns out fine is far better than a missed delay. Make sure hearing and vision are also considered, and never frame your message to families as 'something is wrong' — frame it as 'a check to help your child do their best'.
The Pinnacle way
As a community health volunteer, you are the bridge — you notice, you reassure, and you route the family forward. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from a checklist, an app, or a home visit. Your referral simply opens the door. Families can begin with a [developmental assessment](/) and reach the right therapy support close to home, across our 70+ centres in 4 states.Trusted sources
WHO and UNICEF Nurturing Care Framework for early childhood development; CDC developmental milestone guidance for community and frontline use; WHO ICF model of functioning.Next step — Spotted a child who needs a closer look? [Help the family book a developmental assessment](/) at the nearest Pinnacle centre today.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Missed milestones for the child's age, any loss of skills the child once had, no response to name or sound, little eye contact or social interest, and — always valid — a worried parent.
Try this at home
Keep a simple age-and-milestone card in your bag. During home visits, ask the parent one open question: 'Is there anything about how your child plays, moves or talks that worries you?' Their answer alone can justify a referral.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-11 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
Do I need to be sure something is wrong before I refer?
No. You are not expected to diagnose. If milestones are missed, skills are lost, a child does not respond to sound or name, or a parent is worried, that is enough to refer. An early check that turns out fine is far better than a missed delay.
Is a parent's worry a good enough reason to refer?
Yes. Persistent parental concern is one of the most reliable early signals in child development. If a parent feels something is wrong, take it seriously and route them to a developmental check.
How should I talk to families so they don't feel frightened?
Frame the referral as a positive step — 'a check to help your child do their best' — never as 'something is wrong'. Most families respond well when they feel supported rather than judged.