Referrals may include questions about diagnostic issues including: suspected delays, social difficulties, failure to meet developmental milestones, or other developmental concerns. It is appropriate to make a referral for a developmental evaluation if:

In the course of development, ups and downs are inevitable even for children whose physical and mental endowments are normal. Occasionally children require intervention to get them successfully through a "down" period. Keep in mind that difficulties in any single area of development may be no cause for alarm. Indeed, difficulties in several categories do not imply irreversible problems; rather, they help us notice those periods when the child's life situation, for many possible reasons, is somewhat out of adjustment with his or her emerging needs.

During a developmental assessment of an infant or toddler, the doctor assesses the child's social, emotional, behavioral and intellectual development, including the child’s special strengths. Because parents usually know the most about their own child they are an active part of the entire assessment process. The doctor meets with the parents before the evaluation and gathers comprehensive background information regarding the child’s medical, behavioral, cognitive, and language development, and helps parents to clarify their referral questions. Subsequent appointments are made to meet with the child. These appointments typically include administration of standardized tests that consist of presenting a variety of tasks, ranging from very easy to very challenging, in order to determine the full range of the child's skills. An observation of the child during free play is also a typical component of the assessment. At the conclusion of the evaluation, the doctor again meets with parents to discuss the findings. A written report is provided with detailed recommendations that include information about educational, behavioral, and health care interventions. When necessary, the doctor is available for additional consultation.