What Are The Key Signs That A Child Needs a Developmental Assessment?

As a parent or caregiver, you notice small things. That matters. If something worries you, trust that worry. A developmental assessment can give clear answers and a plan to support your child.

Why Early Support Matters

Kids learn quickly. When we find needs early, we can act sooner. Small supports now can make a big difference later. At Pinnacle Counseling and Psychological Testing Center, we provide Developmental and Academic Evaluations. We check many parts of a child’s growth and development so families can get the proper support their child needs.

Signs to Watch For: Birth to 12 Months

Baby does not smile at people.
Baby does not follow things with their eyes.
Baby does not react to loud sounds.
Baby is very stiff or very floppy.
Baby does not reach for toys.

If you see these signs, seek out a developmental assessment from a licensed psychologist.

Signs to Watch For: 12 To 24 Months

Child uses very few words or no words.
Child does not point to show you things.
Child does not copy simple actions like clapping.
Child does not play pretend, like feeding a doll.
Child has a preoccupation with lining up toys or playing with specific parts of toys more than with the proper use of the toy.

These signs may mean the child needs extra support. A complete evaluation can show what type of support is best.

Signs to Watch For: 2 To 5 Years

Speech is hard to understand.
Child avoids looking at people.
Child stops using words they used before.
Child has trouble with buttons, zippers, or holding a pencil.
Child reacts very strongly to sounds, lights, or touch.

If you see several of these, ask for a complete Developmental Evaluation.

Signs to Watch For: School Age

The child has trouble following simple steps.
Child finds it hard to make or keep friends.
Child cannot pay attention for the right amount of time.
Child has massive tantrums.
Child is behind their classmates even when trying hard.

A school team or testing team can show which areas need support and which skills are strong. A child with these symptoms may benefit from an evaluation for ADHD, a Learning Disability, Emotional Regulation Issues, or an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Other Red Flags

Losing skills the child had before.
Slow motor skills, such as trouble running, jumping, or using utensils.
Food or sleep problems that make life hard.
Intense fears or worries that interfere with play or school.

One sign alone does not prove a diagnosis, but many signs together mean it is time for a check.

What a Developmental Evaluation Looks Like

A good evaluation looks at many things. At Pinnacle, we assess:

How the child plays and learns.
How the child talks and uses words.
How the child behaves with others.
Daily skills like dressing or eating.
Thinking skills and how the child solves problems.

We talk with parents. We observe the child. We use short tests and rating forms from parents or teachers. When needed, we use the ADOS-2, a standard assessment tool for autism, or other assessment tools specifically tailored to the needs of your chlid.

A licensed psychologist or psychological associate explains the results of each assessment in language that is easy to understand. They provide a full report that includes clear steps and specific recommendations families can use both in and outside of the school environment.

How Pinnacle Provides Support

We are a small practice that is sure to give personal care and attention to each individual that we test and treat. We are committed to seeing families quickly, as we know that earlier intervention is key. We are able to get testing cases booked within two weeks, with the report provided within one month. For therapy, we are able to get our clients seen within one week. We describe findings in straightforward terms. We provide guidance on next steps, like therapy or school support. We also offer treatment for anxiety, trauma, OCD, and selective mutism.

What to Bring To an Evaluation

Any doctor’snotes you have.
A short list of the signs or symptoms you notice and when they began.
Schoolwork, teacher’s notes, or any school assessment results if your child is in school.
A favorite toy or snack helps your child feel safe.

What Parents Can Do Now

Talk to your child’s doctor. Ask for a screening.
Write down clear examples of what you see. Use dates if you can.
If your child is under three, look for early intervention services in your area.
Call a testing center like Pinnacle to ask about a complete Developmental Evaluation.

Beginning early offers your child the greatest opportunity to learn skills and obtain supports or services necessary for their development.

How Results Guide Next Steps

The testing report shows what a child can do and what areas need support. It also gives clear steps that families can follow right away. Those steps may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, school supports, or at-home strategies. Pinnacle provides clear, practical recommendations and explains how to connect with needed services. It is important to note that a formal evaluation is required in order to obtain services both in and outside of school. Pinnacle’s reports are signed by a licensed psychologist and meet these requirements for the booking of school or community-based services.

You Are Not Alone

Feeling worried is normal. Many families feel the same way. A clear plan can make things less scary. Tests are tools that guide action, not just provide labels. They point to necessary support and services .

How to Reach Pinnacle

Pinnacle Counseling and Psychological Testing Center offers Developmental and Academic Evaluations and family-centered support. We explain your results in a way that is easy to understand, and provide you a written report to provide to your child’s school or doctor that is required to obtain services. For more information, please contact us. We will walk you through each step.

Conclusion

Pay attention to patterns you see with your child. Trust your instincts and what you see. A developmental evaluation assists you in understanding your child’s needs. It also finds ways to support them. Getting early assistance is important. Contact Pinnacle Counseling and Psychological Testing Center. You’re not alone in this. We’ll climb this mountain with you.

FAQs

How long does an evaluation take?

Parts may happen in one visit or several visits. Some tasks are short and some take more time. Our personalized support staff will tell you what to expect for your exact evaluation, but on average, 6 hours of testing time can be expected

Will my child get labeled?

The assessment report will explain your child’s strengths and needs. If appropriate, it will also provide any formal diagnosis that is identified. Diagnoses, while sometimes seen as just a “label” are used by Pinnacle as a tool to guide follow-up, not a way to judge the child. A diagnosis also allows other professionals to guide services and supports. However, the assessment report is yours and you are free to choose who you do or do not provide the report to.