Kids enjoying playtime at the Boys’ and Girls’ playgroup in Dorchester.

As parents, we always want the best for our children. We want to see them grow, learn, and thrive at their own pace. But sometimes, the journey isn’t always clear-cut, and we may wonder if our child is developing the way they should.  

So, how can we know if they're truly on track? Developmental screenings tools, like the ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire), provide invaluable insights into a child's progress and help identify potential developmental delays early on. These screenings assess motor skills, speech and language, social-emotional behaviors, and cognition. 

Every Child Ready to Learn, Grow, and Succeed, a city-wide, system-level initiative (formerly Screen Every Child) supported by Boston Children’s Hospital, community organizations have collaborated to develop a developmental screening and referral system in Boston. Led by the Boston Opportunity Agenda, the initiative partners with United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s DRIVE initiative, the Boston Family Engagement Network, Family Nurturing Center, the Boston Office of Early Childhood, Shared Services, and Boston Public Schools' Boston PreK program. This collaborative effort is designed to ensure that more families can access developmental screenings and referrals, helping children get the support they need from an early age. 

While many parents may feel uncertain or intimidated by the process, real stories from those who’ve experienced it can offer valuable perspectives and show others its benefits. In this post, we share the experiences of three moms, Siobhan, Yoanna, and Trang who went through the developmental screening process with their children and came out the other side more informed and empowered. 

Siobhan Peters has been attending the Boys’ and Girls’ playgroup of Dorchester for two years and shared how the ASQ screening helped her gain clarity on the developmental progress of her two youngest sons. 

Siobhan Peters, mom of six, gained insight into her youngest sons’ development by completing ASQ screenings at Boys’ and Girls’ playgroup in Dorchester.

As a mother of six children, Siobhan’s perspective on screenings has evolved over the years. For her first four children, she wasn’t familiar with developmental screenings, and they were in daycare, where they were screened. However, for her younger two children, as a stay-at-home mom, she became more involved and took a hands-on approach by completing the ASQs herself.  

She felt the ASQ provided a guideline for what to expect at each age and stage and it was much less stressful than she had imagined. “When the ASQ came up, it gave me a clearer picture of where he stood with his milestones,” explained Peters. “It was a bit more specific than what we get at the pediatrician’s office, especially regarding things like holding scissors or stacking blocks. It’s a great tool for understanding where your child is and what they might need.” 

She shared that with her second child, she didn't initially notice that he wasn't talking when he should have been. Despite her older child speaking at a certain age, she didn't pick up on it with her second one, thinking he might develop at his own pace. It wasn't until the doctor pointed out that he should be saying a certain number of words by that age that they realized the delay.  

Siobhan encourages parents, even if they feel some resistance, to try screenings for the sake of their child's well-being. “Developmental screenings are helpful. In today’s world, with so many potential diagnoses like autism or developmental delays, screenings can help you catch things early, so you can address them promptly,” said Peters.   

For Siobhan, early screenings became a source of clarity rather than concern. She stresses that they are meant to guide and inform, not to label or define. “As a parent, you’re your child’s first advocate. It’s worth considering, especially if it could help your child.” She adds, “If you feel the screening will be beneficial, then go for it. If you don’t, it’s perfectly okay not to.”  

Siobhan believes that continuing to offer screenings as part of regular pediatric care or daycare would help normalize them in families’ routines. “It should be as common as other early childhood milestones,” Siobhan states. “Just like we’re taught when to introduce solid foods or when to schedule vaccinations, developmental screenings should be part of that conversation. We have to normalize it as a regular check-in for all children.”   

Yoanna Tejeda’s experience with developmental screenings has been impactful in many ways. As a mom of two—14-year-old daughter, Isis Love, and 4-year-old son, Ysaac Imani— she has navigated the ups and downs of motherhood. “With my oldest, I didn’t know about the Ages and Stages Questionnaire or developmental milestones beyond what I’d learned in my bachelor’s program,” said Tejeda. Later, as a social worker, she became familiar with the ASQ and used it to help other parents.   

Yoanna Tejeda, mom of two, first learned about the ASQ as a social worker—and now uses it to guide her parenting journey.

When Ysaac, her second child, was born, Yoanna faced another traumatic experience. “It felt like I had forgotten everything I knew. But there are always those little seeds planted by your community, like The Ollie, that help you take the next step,” said Tejeda. She found the support she needed when it was time for Isaac’s screenings at South Boston Neighborhood House, also known affectionately as "The Ollie". The screening gave Yoanna the opportunity to reflect on her son’s development. “Where do we need to improve? How can I move past the trauma and focus on what my baby needs?” she said.  

When the results came in, Yoanna learned that Ysaac was meeting most milestones but needed some extra support. With The Ollie’s help, the referral to the Early Intervention specialist was quick, and they got the assistance they needed. “It wasn’t about a label—it was about making sure my child got the support he needed,” she said.  

While Yoanna is open to screenings, she understands some parents feel differently. She recalls how her cousin had a negative experience with one, feeling that services were being forced on her child. “Learning makes me feel better. The more I know, the more confident I feel,” she said. “For some parents, screenings can feel like labels, but I see them differently. If there’s a challenge, knowing about it is a blessing—it gives you a chance to help your child grow and reach the next step.” 

Yoanna’s advice to other parents: “Don’t think of it as an assessment where your child gets a bad or perfect score—it’s about understanding where they are, how they’re progressing for their age, and how you can support them,” Tejeda said. She emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and letting go of the fear of judgment. “If you shift your focus away from labels and outside opinions, you can see screenings for what they truly are—an opportunity to see where your child stands,” Tejeda said.  

“As a parent, you know your child best. If something feels off, don’t be afraid to speak up and seek guidance. The screening process is there to help you understand your child’s needs—not to judge you,” she added. 

When Trang joined a local playgroup last summer with her 19-month-old daughter, she had little knowledge about developmental screenings. Like many first-time parents, she was unfamiliar with tools that track a child’s growth and milestones. However, after going through the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), she discovered how valuable it was in understanding her child’s development.  “Parents are busy, and we wear so many hats. This tool makes it easier to understand what our child needs and when to seek help,” said Trang. 

Trang, a first-time mom, discovered the value of the ASQ after joining a local playgroup with her 19-month-old daughter.

“The screening helped me see what skills my daughter should be developing at different ages,” Trang shared. “For example, by six months, she should be sitting up, and by one year, she should be saying simple words like ‘mama’ and ‘papa.’” Through the process, she learned how to support her daughter's speech and motor skills, giving her more confidence in her parenting.   

Luckily, her daughter met all the expected milestones. But beyond the screening, Trang found a sense of community in the playgroup. The program not only provided structured learning opportunities for her daughter but also gave her access to workshops and support from early childhood professionals. 

Trang believes that normalizing developmental screenings starts with clear and thoughtful communication. She appreciated that the staff emphasized screening as a tool for guidance rather than an assessment. “Using the right language is so important. When the staff explained that this wasn’t a test but a way to help me understand my child’s growth, I felt comfortable and open to it,” she explained. She believes that when screenings are introduced with the right message, it reduces stigma and encourages more parents to participate.  

For other parents, Trang’s message is simple: “Be open to developmental screening. It’s not about judging your child’s abilities—it’s about understanding their growth and ensuring they get the support they need.”  

Siobhan, Yoanna, and Trang emphasized how developmental screenings boost parental confidence and the vital role community programs play in supporting families. Through reminders, referrals, and encouragement, these programs normalize screenings and connect families with essential resources. 

Meghan Savicke, Family Engagement Coordinator at South Boston Neighborhood House, supported Yoanna Tejeda in using the ASQ, providing guidance and reassurance throughout the process.

Screening coaches, an essential part of these programs, guide parents through the ASQ process with clarity and reassurance. “Many parents feel unsure when results suggest a delay,” says Meghan Savicke, Family Engagement Coordinator at South Boston Neighborhood House, who worked with Yoanna. By working within trusted community spaces, screening coaches help parents view screenings as a positive step. “Our goal is to empower parents as advocates for their children’s growth.” 

If you’re unsure whether your child is meeting developmental milestones, reach out to a pediatrician, community program, or playgroup. Take advantage of these screenings to advocate for your child and equip yourself with the knowledge to help them thrive.  

For more information on developmental screening, check out United Way's DRIVE initiative and if you are interested in completing a developmental screening for your child, contact your local CFCE.