When to Contact Your Evergreen Pediatrician About Developmental Delays

At Evergreen Pediatrics, we understand that developmental disabilities can significantly impact a child’s growth, learning, and daily life. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions that typically begin before the age of 22 and may result in challenges related to physical abilities, learning, language, or behavior. Some of the most common developmental disabilities we see in our practice include intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Our team is dedicated to supporting families through early identification, diagnosis, and intervention. We know that early, comprehensive care is crucial in helping children with developmental disabilities reach their fullest potential and improve their quality of life. Our approach is multidisciplinary—combining medical evaluation, therapy services, educational support, and guidance for parents and caregivers.

We work closely with families to address the unique needs of each child, whether developmental disabilities are caused by genetic factors, complications around birth, or other influences. By partnering with you, our goal is to provide compassionate, personalized care and empower every child to thrive.

At Evergreen Pediatrics, we understand that developmental disabilities can affect children in many different ways, impacting their physical, learning, language, or behavioral growth. These conditions, which begin during childhood, have a variety of causes—including genetic factors (like Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome), complications during pregnancy (such as exposure to alcohol, drugs, or certain infections), and issues at birth (like premature delivery or reduced oxygen).

We also recognize that a child’s environment after birth plays an important role. Exposure to toxins such as lead, inadequate nutrition, or serious illnesses like meningitis can further influence development. In many cases, the cause of a developmental disability may be a combination of factors, and sometimes it remains unknown.

We are dedicated to early identification and intervention. Our experienced team works closely with families to monitor developmental milestones during well-child visits and provide timely referrals for assessments and therapies when needed. By working together, we strive to help every child reach their fullest potential.

At Evergreen Pediatrics, we recognize that developmental disabilities can affect children in many different ways, impacting their physical, learning, language, and behavioral skills. Our team is experienced in identifying and supporting a wide range of developmental disabilities, including:

●Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): We provide early screening for autism and help families access therapies that support communication and social skills.

●Intellectual Disability: Our pediatricians work closely with families to assess cognitive development and connect them with educational and community resources.

●Cerebral Palsy: We monitor motor development and coordinate care with specialists to ensure children with cerebral palsy receive the therapies and support they need.

●Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Our providers offer comprehensive evaluations for attention and behavior concerns, and we guide families through treatment options and school support plans.

●Down Syndrome: We provide ongoing developmental and medical care for children with Down syndrome, supporting both their intellectual and physical well-being.

●Learning Disabilities (such as dyslexia): We partner with families and schools to identify learning challenges early and advocate for interventions that promote academic success.

At Evergreen Pediatrics, we understand that every child is unique. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to helping children with developmental disabilities reach their full potential. If you have concerns about your child’s development, our compassionate providers are here to help with assessments, support, and guidance every step of the way.

At Evergreen Pediatrics, we are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for children at every stage of their development. Diagnosing developmental disabilities is a careful, multi-step process that our team approaches with expertise and sensitivity, ensuring families get the answers and support they need.

●Step 1: Developmental Screening During Well-Child Visits
The journey often begins during routine well-child visits at Evergreen Pediatrics. Our pediatricians use standardized screening tools and age-appropriate checklists to monitor your child’s progress in key areas such as motor skills, language, social interaction, and cognitive development. These screenings help us identify any concerns early and track your child’s milestones over time.

●Step 2: Comprehensive Evaluation
If our team notices any areas of concern during screening, we recommend a more in-depth developmental evaluation. We collaborate closely with a network of specialists—including developmental-behavioral pediatricians, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, and occupational therapists—to provide a thorough assessment. This evaluation includes:

• Detailed interviews with parents or caregivers about medical, family, and developmental history
• Careful observation of your child’s behavior in our child-friendly environment
• Standardized developmental and behavioral testing to assess specific areas of functioning

●Step 3: Additional Medical Assessment
Depending on your child’s needs, we may recommend further medical tests—such as hearing and vision screenings, genetic evaluations, or imaging studies—to rule out underlying medical conditions that could affect development.

●Step 4: Diagnosis and Next Steps
All the information gathered is carefully reviewed by our team to determine whether your child meets criteria for a developmental disability, such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or cerebral palsy, following established guidelines (DSM-5 and ICD-10). We recognize that diagnosis is sometimes a journey, not a single event, and ongoing observation or periodic reassessment may be needed as your child grows.

Kirkland Parents: Is This a Delay? Essential Check-In Questions for Your Pediatrician

If you’re a parent in Kirkland or the surrounding area and have concerns about your child’s development, you’re not alone. Dr. Basma Raees, MD understands that every child grows and learns at their own pace—and it’s natural to wonder whether what you’re seeing is a normal variation or something that may require additional support. Early childhood is filled with important milestones, from first smiles and steps to developing language and social skills.

When preparing for your visit to Evergreen Pediatrics, it helps to reflect on your child’s progress in key areas such as language, movement, social interaction, and problem-solving. For example, consider whether your toddler is using words to express themselves, making eye contact, or responding to their name. Notice if your child is walking, grasping and manipulating objects, or engaging in play with others.

We encourage you to take note of any concerns or changes—like a sudden loss of previously acquired skills, persistent difficulties with feeding or sleeping, or behaviors that are noticeably different from other children their age. If you observe that your child isn’t babbling, pointing, or showing interest in other children at the expected ages, or if you have concerns about hearing, vision, or motor skills, please bring these observations to your appointment.

Contact us for more information or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 12911 120th Ave NE Suite B10, Kirkland, WA 98034. We serve patients from Kirkland WA, Seattle WA, Shoreline WA, Lake Forest Park WA, Kenmore WA, Woodinville WA, Mountlake Terrace WA, Woodway WA, Edmonds WA, Lynnwood WA, Bothell WA and Lake Washington WA.