A developmental screening does not provide a diagnosis, but it indicates if a child is on the right development track or if a specialist should take a closer look. If the screening identifies an area of concern, a formal developmental evaluation may then be needed. A formal evaluation looks more in-depth at a child’s development and is usually done by a doctor, such as a developmental pediatrician. The doctor may observe the child, give the child a structured test, ask the parents or caregivers questions, or ask them to fill out questionnaires. The results of this formal evaluation determine whether a recommendation for special treatments or early intervention services (or both) will be made. Sometimes, it will be a group or team of professionals, such as a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, or a speech-language pathologist, who work together. This is called an interdisciplinary evaluation.
Things to expect during the Evaluation Process:
- Review of medical, developmental, and education history
- A home visit done by Clinic/Program Coordinators
- Family interview
- Cognitive, developmental, and/or behavioral assessment
- Examination by a Developmental Pediatrician
- Family conference to review diagnostic findings and recommendations
- Comprehensive assessment report
- Developmental follow-up and care coordination as needed
As a result of the evaluation process, family and community providers can expect to:
- Receive information regarding a child’s developmental and educational needs, whether or not a diagnosis is present
- Learn about medical or related services that may be needed to assist with or treat the identified developmental concerns
- Receive information about community resources and support in accessing services
Child Development Clinics
The Child Development Clinics and Programs in NH are a collaborative network administered by DHHS, Special Medical Services. They provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and assist families with children with developmental and behavioral differences in making informed decisions regarding medical, developmental, and educational needs. Services are family-centered and culturally sensitive.
Amoskeag Health Child Development Clinics
Manchester, Keene, & the Lakes Region (ages 0-6 years)
Telephone: (603) 296-9249
North Country—Weeks Medical Center
Telephone: (603) 788-5304
Website: https://www.amoskeaghealth.org/complex-medical-care-for-children
Offers a collaborative special medical services program. The clinics provide expert evaluation and diagnostic services to children suspected of having a broad range of developmental difficulties, including:
- Autism and related disorders
- Learning disabilities and ADHD
- Emotional and behavioral problems
- Intellectual disabilities
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics – Elliot Hospital
Elliot’s Pediatric Care Unit, 275 Mammoth Rd, Manchester, NH 03109
Telephone: (603) 663-3222
Website: https://www.elliothospital.org/website/developmental-and-behavioral-pediatrics.php
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatricians evaluate and treat children with the following conditions:
- Developmental Disabilities
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (Autism, Asperger Syndrome)
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
- Behavioral Difficulties of Young Children
- Developmental Delays
- Medical Causes of School Problems
- Tic Disorders/Tourette Syndrome
Child Development Treatments and Services – Dartmouth Health Children’s (Previously known as CHaD)
Lebanon, NH
Telephone: (603) 653-6060
Website: https://www.chadkids.org/child-development/treatments-and-services
Child Development Program at Dartmouth Health Children’s provides diagnostic evaluations for young children with developmental and behavioral concerns. Pediatric specialists observe, test, and counsel families regarding their child’s developmental/behavioral status after an extensive review of early intervention/school reports, family questionnaires, and examination of the child. The family receives a comprehensive care plan, including medical, developmental, educational, and/or psychological evaluations with specific suggestions for implementing the care plan.
The Neurodevelopment Institute of NH
Hooksett, NH
Telephone: (603) 621-9870
Gorham, NH
Telephone: (603) 215-6482
Website: https://www.ninhllc.com/evaluations/
Infants, children, adolescents, and adults are referred to NINH for the following evaluations:
- Neurodevelopmental
- Neuropsychological
- Psychological
- Sensory Integration
- Pre/Post Surgical Evaluations for:
- Bariatric Surgery
- Deep Brain Stimulation
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
- qEEG – Quantitative Electroencephalogram
- Educational