Well visits allow developmental and other health problems to be identified and treated early in a child’s life. Whether a problem is medical or behavioral, or both, finding it early and treating it can greatly improve the child’s chances of reaching his or her full potential for physical, mental, and social health and well-being. Please do not skip your child’s yearly well visit.
Pediatricians are able to provide family-centered, comprehensive, coordinated care, including a more complete medical assessment when a screening indicates a child is at risk for a developmental problem. The pediatrician may further assess the child for a diagnosable developmental condition(s) (for example, a language disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, intellectual disabilities), and for the potential coexisting neurologic, metabolic, or genetic disorders that might require specific treatments or interventions of their own.