Concerned about Development?
How to Get Help for Your Child
Talking to the doctor is the first step toward getting help for your child if you are concerned about his or her development (how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves). Don't wait. Acting early can make a real difference!
- Make an appointment with your child’s doctor
- When you schedule the appointment, tell the doctor’s staff you have concerns about your child’s development that you would like to discuss with the doctor.
- Complete a milestone checklist
- Before the appointment, complete a milestone checklist by downloading CDC’s free Milestone Tracker mobile app from the App Store or Google Play or printing a paper checklist from www.cdc.gov/Milestones.
- Write down your questions and concerns; take these with you to the doctor’s appointment.
- During the doctor’s appointment
- Show the completed milestone checklist to the doctor
- If your child is missing milestones, point them out, and share any other concerns that you have.
- If your child is not missing milestones but you still have concerns, tell the doctor about them.
- Ask the doctor for developmental screening for your child
- Developmental screening is recommended whenever there is a concern. It gives the doctor more information to figure out how best to help your child.
- For more information about developmental screening, go to www.cdc.gov/DevScreening.
- Ask the doctor if your child needs further developmental evaluation
- If your child does, ask for a referral and call right away. If you have difficulty getting an appointment, let the doctor know.
- Show the completed milestone checklist to the doctor
- Make sure you understand what the doctor tells you, and what to do next
- Before you leave the appointment, check the notes you have written and make sure all of your questions have been answered.
- If you do not understand something, ask the doctor to explain it again or in a different way.
- When you get home, review your notes and follow the steps the doctor has given you. Remember, you can always contact the doctor’s office if you have any questions.
You Know Your Child Best
If your child's doctor has told you to "wait and see," but you feel uneasy about that advice:
Talk with others (doctor, teacher, another provider) to get a second opinion
AND
Call for a free evaluation to find out if your child can get free or low-cost services that can help.
- If your child is under age 3: Call your state's early intervention program. Find the phone number at cdc.gov/FindEI.
- If your child is age 3 or older: Call the local public elementary school.
You do not need a doctor's referral to have your child evaluated for services.
Find more information, including what to say when you make these important calls, visit cdc.gov/Concerned.
Don't wait. Acting early can make a real difference!
1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)