TRACKING MILESTONES, CATCHING DELAYS EARLY
Developmental Delay Screening & Support for families in the Northwest Suburbs
Every child develops at their own pace, but there’s a difference between “still catching up” and a true delay that benefits from early support. Associates in Pediatrics performs regular developmental screening at well visits and helps families get fast answers – and fast access to early intervention – whenever a delay is identified.
Common Types of Developmental Delay
Delays can occur in one or more areas: speech and language (not talking as expected for age), gross motor skills (walking, running, climbing), fine motor skills (grasping objects, using utensils), social-emotional development, or cognitive skills. A delay in one area doesn’t necessarily mean delays in others, and many children catch up fully with the right support.
Developmental Milestones by Age
We track milestones at every well visit – from a 6-month-old sitting independently to a 2-year-old combining words to a 4-year-old following multi-step directions. If your child isn’t meeting expected milestones for their age, we’ll discuss what’s typical variation versus what warrants a closer look, and we never dismiss a parent’s concern just because a delay seems “mild.”
How We Screen and Evaluate
We use standardized developmental screening tools at recommended ages (9, 18, and 30 months, among others) and combine those results with your observations at home. If a delay is suspected, we’ll discuss next steps, which may include a hearing and vision check, bloodwork if indicated, and referral for formal developmental evaluation.
Early Intervention Services
For children under 3, we can refer directly to Early Intervention programs, which provide services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy – often at low or no cost to families. For children over 3, we help coordinate evaluation through the local school district’s early childhood special education program.
developmental delay
frequently asked questions
What’s considered a developmental delay?
A delay means a child isn’t reaching expected milestones (in speech, motor skills, social skills, or cognition) within the typical age range for that skill. Screening tools compare your child’s development to established norms.
My child isn’t talking much yet - should I be worried?
Speech development varies, but if your child isn’t saying any words by 18 months, or isn’t combining two words by age 2, it’s worth a developmental screening at our office.
Do I need a referral to get a developmental evaluation?
No – we can screen your child directly at a well visit or dedicated appointment, and refer to early intervention or specialists if needed, without you needing an outside referral first.
Is early intervention free?
Early Intervention programs for children under 3 are typically low-cost or free depending on your state’s program and your family’s eligibility. We can help you understand what’s available in Illinois.
Wondering If Your Child Is Meeting Milestones?
A quick developmental check-in can offer clarity, and early support makes a real difference when it’s needed.
Call 847-742-6888 to Schedule a Developmental Check-In
Caring for northern Illinois families for over 40 years
Call for Appointments
847.742.6888
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm
(Closed for lunch 12 - 1:30pm)
Saturday: 8 am - 12 pm
Sunday: Closed
ELGIN SUMMIT STREET
1015 Summit St
Elgin, IL 60120
ELGIN RANDALL ROAD
1530 N Randall Rd.
Elgin, IL 60123
STREAMWOOD
1020 E Schaumburg Rd. Streamwood, IL 60107
ALGONQUIN
2971 Algonquin Rd. Ste 105
Algonquin, IL 60102
AFTER HOURS
Call 847.742.6888 to reach our answering service. A provider will be paged to assist you. A $25 after-hours fee applies.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.