New Screening Program Finds 1 in 5 Young Children Had Possible Developmental Delays

In its first year implementing a new developmental screening program, First 5 Contra Costa found that 20 percent of all children screened had possible delays in their development.  Developmental screening is an important first step in diagnosing children who might have developmental delays or autism, yet many young children fail to receive it. 

“About one in five children face developmental disabilities or disabling behavioral problems before age 18, but only half are identified before age five,” said Sean Casey, Executive Director of First 5 Contra Costa.  “Developmental screening increases the chances of identifying children with developmental concerns when they are very young – the time when intervention is most effective and least expensive.”

Developmental screening checks all areas of child development, including moving, hearing, seeing, thinking, communicating, and social skills.  To increase the number of children who receive regular screening, First 5 First 5 has trained 400 service providers such as social workers, Head Start staff, childcare providers, and public health nurses, from 55 local children’s services agencies to incorporate screening into their programs. 

As a result, 2,660 children – mostly from low-income families – received developmental screening in the last 20 months. Twenty percent were referred for additional assessments and 40% had results indicating a need to monitor the child’s developmental progress. 

Screening results for Jessica’s Bucho’s three-year-old son, who had suddenly stopped talking, indicated that he needed further assessment.  This led to a diagnosis of autism and immediate early intervention services. “I just thought my son was going through some kind of regression. He would not have been diagnosed as early if not for this program,” said Bucho.  “The services he’s receiving now have changed our lives.  He’s talking again and making great progress.”

Dr. Cathy Huang, a pediatrician at Contra Costa Medical Regional Center, stresses the importance of early diagnosis, “It makes sense to identify concerns and intervene early in life when a child’s brain is still developing and has the greatest capacity for change,” she said.  “The greatest improvements are seen when interventions begin early in life.”  

Parents interested in developmental screening should contact their pediatrician or visit a First 5 Center. 

To learn more about Jessica's experience with developmental screening, watch this short video: http://youtu.be/tFkQ6T1bebI.

About First 5 Contra Costa

Research shows that a child’s brain develops most dramatically in the first five years.  Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on tobacco products to support programs for expectant parents and children ages 0 to 5.  Since its inception, First 5 Contra Costa has invested over $100 million in programs that help children grow up healthy, supported by their parents, and ready to succeed in school.  Learn more at www.firstfivecc.org.