We support early identification and intervention in children. Treatment should be made based on decisions from evidence-based and researched decisions. The CDC has recently updated their developmental milestone chart, which changed the criteria for Social, Language, Cognitive, and Movement milestones. The CDC failed to consult the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) before updating the information, resulting in misleading information for families and unclear information on how to interpret the changes. Many of the milestones conflict with years of research in our field.
The American Speech and Hearing Association has announced that they are reviewing and analyzing these revisions as they do not support years of evidence based information by licensed speech therapists around the world. When analyzing children under three during a speech screening, speech pathologists do not look at single milestones. Looking at milestones in isolation does not give a clear picture of the child’s development. Milestones in play, interaction, comprehension and gesture use all tie together when assessing early identification and intervention. However, the milestones presented in the CDC’s chart, omit this important information which is misleading.
So how do you know if a milestone is “correct”? Speak to us! During a speech assessment we look at the development of the child and overall milestones to see when and where intervention is needed. We also rely on research and up to date published information for treatment methods. There are so many great resources that provide helpful information to families regarding their child’s developmental milestones.
- Feeding Hierarchy: Raising a Healthy Happy Eater, Melanie Potock’s Website
- Speech, Language and Play Development Hierarchy: ASHA
- Speech, Language and Play Development Hierarchy: Beyond Baby Talk by Kenn Apel and Julie Masterson