Importance of Updated Developmental Milestones for Early Childhood

Less than a quarter of children with developmental disabilities receive early intervention services before age 3. The recent update to the “Learn the Signs: Act Early” guidelines is a step toward more children and families getting help sooner. Kate Wallis, MD, MPH, a developmental behavioral pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, reviews: how and why the changes were made; how evaluating milestones when 75% of the age group is meeting them (rather than the previous rate of 50%) affects the wait-and-see approach; why it was important to add milestones for the 15- and 30-month visits; how the milestones may be helpful to parents; and more. This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not to be considered as medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgment in making recommendations to their patients. ©2022 by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, all rights reserved.