Developmental Screenings for Children in Gilbert, AZ

Every child develops at their own pace, but keeping track of important milestones can help identify delays early and get the right support. At Happy Hearts Pediatrics in Gilbert, AZ, we provide comprehensive developmental screenings in a nurturing, kid-friendly environment. Our experienced team helps ensure your child is reaching key milestones — physically, socially, and cognitively — giving you peace of mind and your child the best start in life.

What Are Developmental Screenings?

Developmental screenings are routine checks designed to monitor how your child is growing and developing across several important areas. These screenings help us identify any potential delays in communication, movement, learning, behavior, or emotional development — often before they become more serious concerns.

At Happy Hearts Pediatrics, we believe early awareness leads to early support. That’s why we include these screenings as a regular part of your child’s well-care visits. They’re quick, gentle, and tailored to your child’s age and stage.

Key Areas We Screen For:

Speech and language development – How your child communicates, listens, and responds
Fine and gross motor skills – How your child uses their hands and moves their body
Social and emotional behavior – How your child interacts with others and expresses feelings
Cognitive abilities – How your child learns, thinks, and solves simple problems
Problem-solving skills – How your child approaches challenges or unfamiliar tasks
Self-help skills – How your child begins to do everyday things like feeding or dressing themselves

These screenings are typically done during regular well-child visits and follow age-specific milestones recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). If anything seems out of the expected range, we’ll guide you through the next steps with clarity and care.

Don't Be Scared

Signs Your Child May Need a Developmental Screening

Developmental screenings are a routine part of pediatric care — but there are times when a parent’s instinct tells them something may need closer attention. Even if your child has had previous screenings, new concerns can arise as they grow and change.

Missing key milestones (not sitting, crawling, walking, or talking by the expected age)

Limited eye contact or not responding to their name by 12 months

Frequent clumsiness or difficulty with coordination and balance

Trouble interacting with others — not smiling, playing, or showing interest in people

Repetitive behaviors, like hand-flapping, rocking, or lining up toys

Extreme reactions to sounds, textures, or changes in routine

Loss of previously learned skills (such as talking or walking)

Ongoing fussiness, frustration, or tantrums that don’t seem developmentally typical

What to Expect During the Visit

We understand that any evaluation related to your child’s development can feel overwhelming — but rest assured, our goal is to make the experience as calm, supportive, and informative as possible.

1. Warm Welcome & Initial Conversation

We’ll begin by discussing your child’s growth, behavior, and any concerns you may have. You’ll have the opportunity to share observations and ask questions in a relaxed, judgment-free space.

2. Developmental Screening Tools

Using age-appropriate and evidence-based tools — like the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) or M-CHAT (for autism screening) — we’ll assess how your child is progressing in key areas like communication, motor skills, and social interaction. Some questions may be answered by you, while others are based on our direct observations.

3. Observation & Interaction

If needed, we may observe your child during play or simple tasks to better understand how they communicate, move, and respond to people or activities. Everything is done in a gentle, non-invasive way that feels natural and child-friendly.

4. Results & Next Steps

We’ll walk you through the screening results, explain what they mean, and answer all your questions. If everything looks on track, we’ll celebrate that with you! If there are any areas of concern, we’ll guide you toward the right resources — such as early intervention services, speech or occupational therapy, or a developmental specialist — and support you at every step.

We Care Above All

Why Choose Happy Hearts Pediatrics?

When it comes to your child’s development, you want more than just answers — you want a care team that listens, understands, and truly cares. At Happy Hearts Pediatrics in Gilbert, AZ, we provide developmental screenings with the warmth, patience, and expertise your family deserves.

Specialized Pediatric Care

We focus exclusively on children — which means our screening tools, techniques, and conversations are all tailored to young minds and growing bodies.

Same-Day & Convenient Appointments

We know that concerns about your child’s development can’t always wait. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling and same-day availability for time-sensitive screenings.

Gentle, Kid-Friendly Approach

From our friendly staff to our playful exam rooms, we create a calming environment that puts children (and parents) at ease.

We Take Time to Listen

Your concerns matter. We never rush through visits — instead, we give you space to talk, ask questions, and feel heard.

Clear Guidance & Trusted Referrals

If your child needs additional support, we’ll connect you with trusted specialists and early intervention programs. We’ll walk with you every step of the way.

Whole-Child Focused

We look at more than just charts and checklists — we see your child as a whole person, with unique strengths, challenges, and potential.

FAQ

About Developmental Screenings

We understand that developmental screenings can raise a lot of questions — especially if you’re navigating concerns for the first time. Here are answers to some of the most common questions parents ask at Happy Hearts Pediatrics:

What age should my child have a developmental screening?

Developmental screenings are typically done at regular well-child visits starting in infancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends formal screenings at 9 months, 18 months, and 30 months — with additional autism screenings at 18 and 24 months. However, we can perform a screening at any age if concerns arise.

How often should screenings be done?

We perform routine screenings during well-checks, but if there are any new concerns, changes in behavior, or missed milestones, we may recommend additional evaluations sooner.

What happens if the screening shows a possible delay?

If a potential delay is detected, don’t worry — you’re not alone. We’ll talk you through the results, answer your questions, and recommend the next steps. This may include more in-depth evaluation, therapy referrals, or connecting you with early intervention services.

Will my child’s insurance cover developmental screenings?

In most cases, yes. Developmental screenings are typically covered by insurance as part of preventive pediatric care. We’re happy to check your benefits or help you understand your coverage before your visit.

Can I request a screening even if my child isn’t due for a checkup?

Absolutely. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, communication, or behavior, you can request a screening at any time — no need to wait for the next well visit.

Will the screening be stressful for my child?

Not at all. Our screenings are designed to be low-pressure and child-friendly. We often use play-based observation and simple parent questionnaires. Most children don’t even realize they’re being evaluated — they’re just playing, exploring, or interacting with us in a gentle, welcoming environment.

How long does a developmental screening appointment take?

The screening itself typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your child’s age and the level of evaluation needed. If it’s part of a well-child visit, we’ll integrate it seamlessly into the appointment. If you’re coming in just for a screening, we’ll still take the time to explain everything clearly and answer your questions.

Can my child still attend daycare or preschool if a delay is found?

Yes. A developmental delay does not mean your child can’t attend daycare or preschool. In fact, early identification and support can improve your child’s readiness and help teachers better understand how to support them. We can also provide documentation or recommendations for school-based accommodations if needed.