The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is updating its developmental milestone checklist for the first time since it was created in 2004. The checklists were created to help identify children with autism and developmental disabilities early so they can get the supports and services they need sooner rather than later.
The update is focuses on listing capability milestones that are met by 75% of children at a specified age whereas the previous version listed milestones that at least 50% of children would be able to meet at a specified age. This change was made in hopes that it will be easier to identify children at risk of developmental issues earlier. Their update also includes checklists for the ages 15 and 30 months to align with every recommended well-child visit between the ages of 2 months and 5 years.
New tips and activities were also added to aid caregivers in supporting their child’s development at every stage along with easier to understand language and “red flags” to look out for.
The CDC is currently in the process of updating its milestone tracker app to reflect the new changes to the checklists.
You can find the developmental milestone checklists here.