DHS requires all Medicaid providers to screen for developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). These requirements have also been integrated into Pennsylvania's EPSDT program.
Our providers must document all surveillance, screening and referral activities, and include a copy of the validated developmental or autism screening tool used to conduct the screening. Providers may use any validated screening tool.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), standardized developmental screenings should be conducted at the 9-, 18-, and 30-month well-child visits. In addition, physicians should administer a screening for ASDs during the 18- and 24-month health supervision visits.
Early identification of developmental disorders is critical to the well-being of children and their families. It is an important function of primary care and the responsibility of all pediatric healthcare professionals.
AAP recommends that developmental surveillance be incorporated at every well-child preventive care visit from infancy through school age, and at any age thereafter if concerns are raised about social acceptance, learning or behavior.
If developmental problems are identified, further developmental and medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment, including early developmental intervention should be conducted.
Children diagnosed with developmental disorders should be identified as children with special needs and chronic-condition management should be initiated.