Developmental and behavioral Screening for all children

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental and behavioral screening for all children during regular well-child visits at these ages: 9 months,18 months, and 30 months.

In addition, AAP recommends that all children be screened specifically for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during regular well-child visits at 18 months, and 24 months (Developmental Surveillance and Screening Patient Care, n.d.).

Physical and cognitive signs are developmental markers. Physical indicators of development include overall appearance (skin, oral health), height, weight, and head circumference. A 9-month-old girl’s weight should be between 8-8.6 kg, her height around 70 cm, and her head circumference about 44 cm (CDC, 2019).

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Other physical indicators include the 9-month-old girl’s ability to crawl, sit without assistance, pull herself to a standing position with support, and make walking motions. A 9-month-old girl’s communication skills include understanding the word “no”, saying “mom”, repeating sounds, and pointing with fingers. Fear of strangers, attachment to known adults, and having favorite toys are all cognitive signs. A 9-month-old with typical cognitive development will observe the route of falling items, look for others when they hide, play peek-a-boo, put things in their mouth, shift objects from one hand to the other effortlessly, and pick up small items between the thumb and index finger. Examining oral health and the effects of teething is another developmental marker (CDC,2019).

The responses to the other developmental questions would influence recommendations for the mother. Understanding why the child is underweight would require an assessment of dietary intake. To offer appropriate recommendations, a thorough examination of the patient’s history and overall health would be required. Based on the information supplied, this patient may be sent to the WIC program for assistance with food access if that is a concern.

The Denver Developmental Screening Test II, which assesses language development, gross and fine motor development, and cognitive development, is one tool that can be used to help in developmental screenings (Green, 2018). Furthermore, the Ages and Stage Questionnaire, Child Development Inventory, and Parent’s Evaluation of Developmental Status are among the evaluation instruments available (CDC, 2019). According to the CDC, it is also important for parents to be educated on developmental milestones. Following that, the parents may include these activities into their infant’s everyday activities, and it can make the parents aware of any unmet milestones that need to be addressed with the healthcare providers (CDC, 2019)

Another suggestion is to introduce solid foods to the child if they have not already done so. By the age of eight months, the infant is able to eat small portions of more solid meals like crackers, noodles, cooked veggies, and other such items. If the infant is teething, this may be the cause of his or her lack of appetite. A frozen teething ring or cool soft foods may be recommended by the nurse to alleviate the child’s teething pain. To preserve total health and wellness, it is critical to provide the correct diet and child care (CDC,2019).