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Multi-Disciplinary Developmental Clinic (MDDC)
PPA's Multi-Disciplinary Developmental Clinic (MDDC) provides a comprehensive play-based assessment of a child’s development. The first few years of a child’s life are a particularly sensitive period in the process of development. Research shows that early identification of a child’s challenges can significantly improve the factors that place children at-risk for developmental delay. Early intervention provides supports for the child as a whole and are essential in helping children learn and grow to their potential.
An MDDC evaluation may be recommended to families who have concerns regarding the development of their child (birth to 42 months). These concerns may include possible delays in language, motor, cognitive/intellectual, or social development. Other areas that are addressed in our MDDC evaluations include behavioral challenges and red flags for Autism Spectrum Disorder. An MDDC evaluation can help families understand their child’s strengths and needs in order to identify any delays or diagnoses and create an individualized treatment and educational plan.
Evaluation Domains
This evaluation examines a child’s development (from birth to 42 months of age) in major areas of functioning, such as:
- Cognitive Skills
- Language and Communication
- Gross and Fine Motor Skills
- Behavior/Temperament
Our Multi-Disciplinary Developmental Clinic (MDDC) utilizes an ‘arena style’ approach (all professionals are in the evaluation together) of highly qualified professional from different areas of training and experience. Our group of evaluators has been carefully selected for their Expertise in Early Childhood and includes Pediatric Psychologist, Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, and Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Our team of experts will evaluate your child and provide appropriate recommendations to best fit your child’s individual needs.
Developmental Milestones: What to Expect
A child’s growth involves much more than height and weight; it also includes important skills and behaviors that emerge at different ages. These are called developmental milestones, and they help us see how a child’s brain is learning and developing. Milestones include things like sitting up, making eye contact, crawling, walking, and speaking. Every child develops at their own pace, and it’s normal for skills to emerge in different orders or at slightly different times. Still, delays in reaching milestones within the expected timeframe can sometimes signal concerns that should be evaluated. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides helpful guidelines for when children typically reach these milestones.
- Respond to own name
- Respond to other people’s emotions and often seem happy
- Copy sounds
- Like to play with others, especially parents
- Use simple gestures, like shaking head “no” or waving “bye-bye”
- say “mama” and “dada” and exclamations like “uh-oh!”
- Copy gestures
- Respond to simple spoken requests
- Play simple pretend, such as feeding a doll
- Point to show others something interesting!”
- Show a full range of emotions, such as happy, sad, angry
- Say several single words
- Say sentences with 2 to 4 words
- Follow simple instructions
- Get excited when with other children
- Point to things or pictures when they are named
- Show affection for friends without prompting
- Carry on a conversation using 2 to 3 sentences
- Copy adults and friends
- Play make-believe with dolls, animals, and people
If you notice your child is not meeting some of these milestones, it may be helpful to schedule an evaluation through PPA’s Multi-Disciplinary Developmental Clinic. Research shows that identifying developmental delays early and beginning intervention as soon as possible leads to better long-term outcomes. For this reason, if you have concerns, it’s best not to wait and hope it’s ‘just a phase.’"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about our MDDC
The assessment process takes from 1½ to 2 ½ hours. Parents are asked to remain present throughout the evaluation in order to provide support and comfort to their child. It important that prior to the evaluation your child had a good night’s sleep, wears comfortable clothing, have favorite toys and snacks readily available.
The fee for this comprehensive evaluation is $2,000. If there are concerns that your child may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) can also be administered for an additional $500. Insurance coverage varies depending on your policy. Please check directly with your insurance provider regarding coverage. We will provide you with a detailed statement you can submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement. Payment is due at the time of the evaluation.
Following testing, immediate verbal feedback of the results is provided to the parents. A formal written report is provided to families within one week. An intervention plan can be provided as well as continued guidance or follow-up consultation on an as needed basis.
Contact us to make your appointment today, and help your child get the right start! Appointments are offered in all
of our South Florida locations.
If you are interested in obtaining the assessment for your child in the comfort of your home, PPA offers WEEI-ASD Evaluations. If you are unsure if this is a good option for your family, contact us so that we can offer guidance.
