Understanding Your Child's Developmental Milestones
Every child grows at their own pace, but as a parent, it's natural to wonder whether your child is on track with their speech, motor skills, social development, or behavior compared to other kids their age. At Kidfinity Pediatrics in Glendale, AZ, developmental screening is a routine part of every well-child visit, and if a concern comes up, our team is equipped to evaluate it directly or connect you with the right next step.
This page is designed to help you understand what milestones to expect at different ages, recognize the signs that may warrant a closer look, and know what support is available right here in Glendale.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are the skills most children reach by a certain age, things like rolling over, saying first words, making eye contact, or following simple instructions. Pediatricians use these milestones as a general guide, not a strict deadline, because every child develops differently. That said, noticeable delays or a loss of previously learned skills are worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Milestones are generally grouped into four areas:
- Physical/motor (sitting, walking, fine motor skills like grasping objects)
- Cognitive (problem-solving, memory, understanding cause and effect)
- Speech and language (babbling, first words, forming sentences)
- Social and emotional (eye contact, responding to their name, interacting with others)
Milestones are checked at every well-child visit, starting from your baby's first weeks and continuing through adolescence.
Signs It May Be Time for a Developmental Evaluation
Every child develops on their own timeline, but here are some common signs parents and pediatricians watch for:
- Limited or no eye contact by several months of age
- Not responding consistently to their name
- Significant delays in speech or language compared to peers
- Difficulty with focus, attention, or impulse control that affects school or home life
- Loss of a skill the child previously had
- Difficulty with social interaction or repetitive behaviors
- Ongoing struggles with behavior, emotional regulation, or school performance
If any of this sounds familiar, it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong, but an evaluation can provide clarity and, if needed, a plan. Our team, led by Dr. Devika Malhotra, has extensive experience evaluating and supporting children with developmental, behavioral, and mental health needs.
How Kidfinity Pediatrics Supports Developmental Concerns
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ADHD/ADD Evaluations
Comprehensive, in-office evaluations for attention and focus concerns, with an ongoing
ADHD/ADD treatment plan tailored to your child.
Autism Support
Guidance and support for families navigating an
autism diagnosis or evaluation, along with connections to trusted resources including
Raising Special Kids and the
Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.
Emotional, Mental & Behavioral Health
Collaborative care with community mental health providers for concerns like anxiety, depression, learning issues, and inattention.
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Chronic Care Management
Ongoing, coordinated support for children with a disability or chronic condition that affects development.
Referral Coordination
When a
specialist referral is needed, a pediatric neurologist, therapist, or developmental specialist, we manage the coordination so care stays connected.
Well Child Visits
Well child visits are the foundation for tracking growth and development milestones over time, starting in infancy. They are a cornerstone of preventative care.
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Helpful Resources for Parents
Medical Library for Growth & Development
Growth & DevelopmentAge-by-age articles covering what to expect physically and developmentally, from infancy through the teen years. A useful place to check when you want a general sense of typical growth patterns before or after a well-child visit.
Medical Library for Special Needs
Special NeedsGuidance for families navigating a new diagnosis, an ongoing developmental condition, or the process of understanding what support and services might be available. Written to help you feel more oriented, not more overwhelmed.
Medical Library for Behavior
BehaviorPractical information on common behavioral concerns — from tantrums and defiance to attention and focus issues — including when a behavior is a normal part of development and when it's worth bringing up with your pediatrician.
Parenting Tips
Parenting TipsEveryday guidance on the questions that come up between appointments — discipline, screen time, sleep routines, and other common parenting challenges — from a pediatric perspective you can trust.
Helpful Links
Helpful LinksA curated list of outside organizations we recommend to our own families, including the CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program for tracking milestones and Raising Special Kids, a trusted Arizona resource for families of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs.
A Team Families Trust With These Conversations
Parents often describe these conversations as some of the hardest to start and say Dr. Malhotra made them feel supported rather than judged, working patiently to find the right evaluations and services for their child, including connecting families to specialists across the Valley when needed.
Get Started
If you have questions about your child's development, the first step is simple: talk to us. We'll listen, evaluate what's needed, and help you understand the path forward - whether that's reassurance, a referral, or ongoing care with our team.
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FAQs: Child Development & Developmental Pediatricians
What is a developmental pediatrician?
A developmental pediatrician focuses on evaluating and supporting children with developmental, behavioral, or learning differences — including delays in speech, motor skills, attention, or social interaction.
At what age should developmental milestones be checked?
Milestones are checked at every well-child visit starting in infancy, typically at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and continuing on a regular schedule through the teen years.
What if my child is behind on a milestone — should I panic?
No. Children develop at different rates, and being slightly behind on one milestone is common and often not a concern. That said, it's always worth mentioning to your pediatrician so it can be tracked or evaluated if needed.
Does Kidfinity Pediatrics diagnose autism or ADHD?
Our team conducts comprehensive evaluations for ADHD and provides ongoing support for children with autism, and we coordinate with specialists for further testing or diagnosis when appropriate.
Do I need a referral to be seen for a developmental concern?
No, you can bring up any developmental concern directly with our team during a well-child visit or by scheduling a dedicated appointment.
What happens during a developmental evaluation?
It typically includes a conversation about your concerns, a review of your child's history and milestones, and standardized screening tools. Depending on the results, we may provide guidance directly or refer you to a specialist.
Are there resources for parents outside the office?
Yes — we recommend organizations like the CDC's Learn the Signs program, Raising Special Kids, and the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. See our Helpful Links page for more.
Is telehealth available for developmental follow-ups?
Yes, telehealth is available for certain follow-up conversations, though initial evaluations are typically done in person.
What should I bring to our first appointment?
Bring your child's insurance card, photo ID, any prior medical records if transferring practices, and a list of current medications or concerns you'd like to discuss.
Questions About Your Child's Development?
ou don't need to have all the answers before reaching out — that's what we're here for. Whether it's a quick reassurance or a full developmental evaluation, our team will listen first and guide you through the right next step for your child.
