How this can show up at home, at school, and in play
Developmental Screening & Milestones can affect play, attention, self-regulation, self-care, and school participation. Not sure if your child is on track? A developmental screening checks fine motor, sensory, self-care, and school-readiness skills so you know where your child stands. When these challenges start creating frustration, fatigue, or added stress for the family, an evaluation can help clarify which skills need support most.
How in-home therapy can help
AVOLA builds in-home treatment plans around functional goals using occupational therapy. The focus stays on what matters in real life: moving more confidently, participating more fully at school or at home, and reducing barriers that are making daily routines harder right now.
When it may be time to schedule an evaluation
If your child needs more help than expected with play, dressing, eating, writing, routines, or classroom participation.
If teachers or caregivers notice frequent frustration, avoidance, quick fatigue, or trouble keeping up with important skills.
If you want a clearer picture of what support could help now and how to build a plan for home and school.
What a care plan may include
Standardized developmental assessment
milestone evaluation
parent education
early intervention planning
Therapies that may be part of the plan
Every child develops at their own pace, but some differences are worth a closer look. A developmental screening is a quick, structured check of the skills children typically build between ages 2 and 7 — including fine motor control, sensory processing, self-regulation, daily living skills, and school readiness.
Why Screening Matters
Many parents sense that something is different but aren't sure whether it's a phase or a pattern. A screening gives you clarity. It's not a diagnosis — it's a conversation starter that helps you understand where your child stands compared to typical developmental milestones and whether occupational therapy could help.
Research consistently shows that early identification leads to better outcomes. Children who receive support during critical developmental windows make faster, more lasting progress.
What We Look At
Our therapists evaluate skills across six key areas:
- Fine motor skills — pencil grip, scissors, buttons, drawing
- Gross motor and coordination — balance, catching, climbing, body awareness
- Sensory processing — responses to sound, touch, movement, and textures
- Self-regulation — handling transitions, calming down, emotional control
- Daily living skills — dressing, feeding, grooming, toileting
- School readiness — sitting for tasks, following directions, handwriting
What to Expect
A screening typically involves your therapist observing your child during natural activities — playing, drawing, getting dressed — and may include standardized tools like the BOT-2 or Sensory Profile. You'll receive a clear summary of strengths, areas of concern, and a recommended next step.
No diagnosis is needed. No referral is required in Arizona. And the initial conversation is free.
Take the Free Screening Guide
Not ready for an in-person evaluation? Our free developmental screening guide walks you through the signs by age and skill area so you can see where your child stands in five minutes — from home.
Take the free screening guide →
How to Get Started
Tell us what you're seeing — sensory meltdowns, handwriting struggles, trouble at school, difficulty with self-care — and we'll let you know honestly whether an evaluation makes sense. No pressure, no sales pitch, and the call is free.
Related conditions
If you are comparing similar symptoms or nearby diagnoses, these pages can help you understand related treatment options.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
A developmental disorder affecting communication, behavior, and sensory processing.
Cerebral Palsy
A group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture, typically caused by early brain injury or abnormal brain development.
Developmental Delays
Delays in reaching developmental milestones in motor skills, speech and language, cognitive, social and emotional, and adaptive skills.
Related articles
Practical information from our team to help you better understand this condition and treatment options.
Developmental Milestones: What to Watch For and When to Act
April 1, 2026
Understanding developmental milestones helps parents spot early signs that a child may benefit from occupational therapy. Learn what to watch for at each age and when to seek a professional screening.
Fine Motor Skills and School Readiness: How OT Helps Children Thrive
June 30, 2025
Fine motor skills are crucial for children's school readiness, impacting tasks like writing and self-care. Occupational therapy helps develop these skills through engaging activities, supporting children's confidence and participation in school.