title: Early identification of infants at risk for developmental disabilities.
abstract: Early identification of infants at risk for developmental delay is of the utmost importance to initiate appropriate intervention. Although early detection can be a challenge, the primary care practitioner is in the ideal position to recognize and refer these children. Early recognition requires an in-depth knowledge of the child's history, general physical examination, and developmental level and an understanding of the expected developmental precursors of a skill. Referral to appropriate interventional resources leads to a formalized developmental and neurologic evaluation. If necessary, the development of an interdisciplinary comprehensive plan of remediation can occur and a definitive diagnosis can be made. If no significant problem is found, a decision to provide expectant observation is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA. lbear@mail.mcw.edu
authors.forename: Laurel M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Bear
mesh_terms: D002657:Child Development; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D012307:Risk Factors