Pediatric Growth And Developmental Screening Specialist

Texas Primary & Pediatric Care

Primary Care Provider & Pediatrician located in Las Colinas Irving & Celina, TX

Developmental delays like autism, speech, and language disorders often go undetected. Routine pediatric growth and developmental screenings can alert you to these and other issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment. At Texas Primary & Pediatric Care in Irving & Celina, Texas, Amit Bajaj, MD, and the team provide pediatric growth and developmental screening on-site, including check-ups for hearing and vision, obesity, autism, and depression. To schedule an appointment for your child, book online, or call the office today.

Pediatric Growth and Developmental Screening Q & A

What is a pediatric growth and developmental screening?

A pediatric growth and developmental screening is a routine check-up used to look for or monitor signs of developmental delays. Not every growth or developmental problem is obvious. Therefore, your child might be at risk without you realizing it.

If a developmental disorder goes undetected before your child enters school, it can negatively affect their ability to focus or perform at their highest capacity. Growth and developmental screening are some of the easiest ways to ensure your child’s success in the classroom and life.

What are the types of pediatric growth and developmental screening?

At Texas Primary & Pediatric Care, the team offers various types of pediatric growth and developmental screening, including:

Growth charts

Growth charts are documents that a pediatrician uses to compare your child’s weight, height, and head size to children of the same age. These charts play an important role in diagnosing serious health problems.

If your child is smaller than routine averages, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a problem. There is a wide range of what’s considered “normal.” Your child’s provider will explain the results in detail and answer any questions you have.

Autism screening

At the beginning of an autism screening, you fill out a brief questionnaire about your child. Afterward, your child’s provider uses formal checklists and questionnaires to determine your child’s development in terms of language, movement, thinking, and emotions.

If the team at Texas Primary & Pediatric Care suspects your child has autism, they can refer you to an autism specialist nearby.

Obesity screening

An obesity screening is a quick in-office test used to determine if your child is overweight. Obesity screening uses a formula called the body mass index (BMI). BMI takes your child’s body mass and divides it by the square of their height. If your child’s weight is above the 95th percentile of kids their age, they are considered obese.

Hearing and vision screening

Hearing and vision screening use several different tests to monitor your child’s eyesight and auditory health. If the team determines your child has poor vision or hearing, they can refer you to an otolaryngologist or eye doctor for further evaluation.

Depression screening

You might think that depression only affects adults, but many children and teenagers experience mental illness as well. If your child regularly expresses feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and these feelings cause your child to lose interest in their favorite activities, don’t wait to seek professional help.

During a depression screening, your child’s provider conducts a comprehensive physical exam and neurological evaluation. They can develop a custom treatment plan, including healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medication, or talk therapy, to help your child feel better.

Are pediatric growth and developmental screenings right for my child?

Pediatric growth and developmental screening are important for any child. Even if your son or daughter seems relatively healthy, it’s important to participate. To schedule a pediatric growth and developmental screening for your child, contact Texas Primary & Pediatric Care. Book a consultation online, or call the office today.