Pediatrician screening tests

There’s an effective tool in every doctor’s toolbox, but it’s not being used enough, according to new research.

Developmental screening tests have been proven to spot disorders like autism early on, giving young children the chance to start treatment immediately.

However, a new survey of pediatricians published in the journal Pediatrics finds only half routinely use the screening tools for patients younger than thirty-six months.

This number has doubled since 2002, but experts say it’s not where it needs to be to give children the best shot at early treatment.