Child Development for Behavior Analysts

Abstract A firm understanding of typical child development will aid practitioners in creating developmentally appropriate treatment plan goals and objectives. Clinicians also need to work with families to disseminate critical child developmental milestones. Information about child development—specifically early warning signs—needs to be supplied to parents so that they can be prepared for visits with their child’s health care provider to request referrals if necessary. While efforts for early detection are admirable, there is still restricted access to services, including a confirmed diagnosis and treatment, especially in rural communities and for certain demographic groups. Delayed diagnoses and access to treatment both have clinical implications that will be discussed. Finally, treatment planning needs to be evidence-based and should be linked to established curriculum and literature.