Developmental Screening

Developmental screening should take place at the majority of well child/infant visits.  It consists of the usage of various statistically validated tools to monitor child development.  The most common tool that you will hear reference to is the Denver II Developmental Screen.  This tool is fameous because it was the first of it's kind but is not too useful since it has never been shown to be sensitive or specific.

We use a tool called the Ages and Stages Tool.  This tool breaks development up into 5 categories: Gross motor, Fine motor, problem solving, personal/social and speech.  We will discuss each domain in more detail including major milestones in future episodes.

I hope that this has shed some light on the subject of developmental screening and perhaps raised some questions for you.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
975 Roberta ste 101 B
Sparks NV 89431
(775) 359-7111

Hearing Screening

Did you know that hearing loss can be screened for in children too young to talk?  Using a device called an Otoacustic Emissions Screener or OAE screener we can do just that.  Hearing loss can come on at any time in childhood.  If detected early, we can protect the remaining hearing and start with adaptive devices like aids if necessary.  With those simple steps we can maintain improved childhood development.

If your child has not had her hearing checked in the last year, ask that it be done at the next well visit.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
975 Roberta Lane #101B
Sparks NV 89431
775-359-7111