Developmental-Behavioral Services

At TLC Pediatrics of Amarillo, we understand that every child develops at their own pace. Concerns about attention, behavior, or developmental milestones are common, and our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to help children reach their full potential.

Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

As children grow, both parents and doctors closely monitor their development to ensure they meet key milestones. Some delays may be isolated and easily addressed with targeted therapy, while others may be linked to complex medical or genetic conditions. A specific pattern of delayed milestones may indicate autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental condition affecting communication and social interaction.

Autism affects approximately 1 in 68 children, and early detection is critical. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that ASD-specific screening begin at 18 months and again at 24 months. These screeners often require parents to answer “yes” or “no” to questions about specific behaviors. However, ASD-related behaviors can be inconsistent and intermixed with typical childhood behaviors, and often differ from typical development in quality, not just quantity. Early identification and intervention allow children and families to thrive and access the support they need.

Developmental Screening

TLC Pediatrics performs AAP-recommended developmental screenings at 9, 18, 30, and 48 months, assessing:

• Gross and fine motor skills
• Language and communication
• Social-emotional development
• Problem-solving abilities

We encourage parents to share any concerns or observations during visits, as your insights help us identify and address developmental delays or behavioral issues early.