How will i know if my child has a developmental delay?

Developmental: Your pediatrician should be able to tell if there are significant delays. However, there are a number of assessment tool, one of the more common is ages and stages that are specific for ages and help not only assess fine, gross motor, but communication (verbal, non-verbal), socialization, etc. You could ask your doctor to use this to see where your child is compared to his or her peers.

Screening: During the first few years of life, your child's doctor will examine her (frequently, at first, then less often). Neuro-developmental screening is part of each "well baby" visit. Your doctor will compare your baby's development to known "milestones" and monitor it at each visit. A helpful website: http://www.Cdc.Gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.Html.

The two answers you: Received reflect current standard of practice, i.e., that developmental surveillance using standardized screening tests are part of every well-baby & well-child check & autism-specific screening is done at 18 & 24 mos. Otheruseful websites are the www.Aap.Org healthy children & bright futures parent sections & firstsigns.Org, for both "anticipatory guidance" & detection of possible delays.