Understanding this evaluation
A developmental evaluation helps families understand how a young child is progressing across multiple areas. It combines caregiver history, observation, developmental measures, and medical or educational context.
What it may look at
What the process often includes
- 1
Developmental history
Caregivers describe milestones, health, family context, strengths, and current concerns.
- 2
Play-based assessment
The clinician observes and engages the child using age-appropriate activities.
- 3
Domain-specific input
Speech-language, occupational therapy, medical, or educational input may be included.
- 4
Priorities and referrals
Families receive findings, recommendations, and referrals for services or follow-up when appropriate.
Questions families ask
When should a child receive a developmental evaluation?+
Evaluation may be useful when caregivers, pediatricians, or educators have concerns about milestones, skill loss, or differences across several developmental areas.
Is this the same as an autism evaluation?+
No. A developmental evaluation is broad. It may identify a need for a more specific autism evaluation, but the scope and diagnostic methods can differ.
Are early intervention evaluations free?+
California's Early Start program and local education agencies may provide publicly funded evaluations for eligible children. Eligibility and process vary by age and program.