The CDC Changed Their Developmental Milestone Checklist:
What Does This Mean for Parents, Practitioners, and Our Children?
The CDC’s Developmental Milestone check list was a document referenced by pediatricians, parents, and other professionals in the field for years. This checklist helped as a reference to identify if babies and toddlers were developing as expected and that there were no “red flags” for developmental disabilities. However, as part of the “Learn the Signs. Act Early,” campaign the CDC along with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) changed the developmental milestone check list. These changes have many parents and professionals questioning the decision and how it will affect developmental standards for our children.
Concerning Changes: One third of the milestones were transferred to different ages; 67.7% of those changes were moved to older ages. For example, on the previous checklist, children who have not started talking by 12 months would trigger concern. On the new checklist, there is no concern until 15 months. In comparing to the previous checklist, 12 months was the age that 50% of toddlers started talking. With the new checklist, 15 months is the age that 75% of toddlers should have reached that milestone. If we are waiting until a child is 15 months to begin intervention, we are starting too late. That child will already be behind 75% of his/her peers. The American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) stated, “ASHA remains concerned that some changes in the checklists will slow and/or inhibit referrals for early intervention.” It is essential to keep in mind that children do develop at different speeds. However, if your child is not reaching multiple milestones, it is time to reach out to a professional.
For more information....
Read ASHA’s full statement here: ASHA Comments on CDC and AAP Developmental Milestones Updates
Keep in mind that the CDC checklist can be a reference that is used in conjunction with other clinical tools. You can review it here: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
If speech and language is a concern, use the ASHA checklist https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/12/
Takeaway
Trust your gut and trust your parental instincts; you know your child best and if you feel something is not right reach out to a professional.
Reach out with thoughts, questions, comments.
Warmly,
Sabrina
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