Learn the Signs. Act Early. The Importance of Developmental Screening

Originally broadcast April 19, 2012

Speakers:
Judith Lucas, MD
Pediatrician, Behavioral Health
Albany Medical Center

Donna M. Noyes, PhD
Associate Director for Clinical Policy, and Senior Project Director for the New York Early Intervention System, Bureau of Early Intervention

This broadcast, will incorporate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Learn the Signs. Act Early. (LTSAE) messages as well as NYS specific resources to increase awareness about LTSAE and importance of understanding developmental milestones and making appropriate and timely referrals when there is a concern. The broadcast will also highlight resources in New York State.

Parents and professionals tend to frame healthy development of children in terms of height, weight, and language acquisition. Despite the fact that the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended universal screening for development and for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) since 2006, the majority of children are not being screened by standardized screening tools. In addition to screening, when a concern is raised, parents and professionals are not aware of the importance of early intervention or the availability of resources. The broadcast will highlight information about ASD and general developmental screening, including many free resources available for parents to better understand their child’s development through the age of five years old, as well as materials to help parents talk with their child’s health care provider about any concerns. For professionals, the broadcast will highlight the importance of routine developmental screening and resources for them and parents with whom they work.

Learning Objectives
After viewing this program viewers will be able to:

• List important developmental milestones in early childhood (before the age of three).
• Explain the importance of using standardized developmental screening tests at routine well-child visits at 9, 18, and 24 months of age.
•  Identify which tests have been recommended, and where to get more information about these tests.
• List the steps to take if a concern has been identified.
• Describe the resources available in New York State.

Continuing Education Credits

School of Public Health, University at Albany is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Massachusetts Association of Registered Nurses, Inc., an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

It has been assigned Provider Code PA# 157N.

Course code PA# 157N-296; 1.0 contact hour.

School of Public Health, University at Albany is accredited by the MSSNY to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. The School designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s).™ Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity is sponsored by the School of Public Health, University at Albany, SUNY, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for the CHES to receive 1.0 Category 1 CECH in health education.

Continuing education credits are available until April 2015.

The planners and presenters do not have any financial arrangements or affiliations with any commercial entities whose products, research or services may be discussed in this activity.

No commercial funding has been accepted for this activity.