Helping Families Understand Developmental Concerns

Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes parents notice differences in communication, social interaction, play, behavior, or sensory responses that raise concerns about autism.



At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we screen for autism and other developmental concerns during early childhood wellness visits. We are also available to talk with families whenever concerns arise.

Signs Your Child May Need Screening

Autism can look different from one child to another. Some children have delayed speech. Others may speak well but struggle with social communication, flexibility, or sensory sensitivities.

Parents may notice:

• Delayed speech or language development
• Limited eye contact
• Not responding consistently to their name
• Limited pointing, waving, or other gestures
• Less interest in social interaction or shared play
• Repetitive movements or repetitive play
• Strong reactions to sounds, textures, lights, or routines
• Difficulty with transitions or changes
• Intense interests or unusual play patterns
• Loss of previously learned words or skills

These signs do not always mean a child has autism, but they are worth discussing with your pediatrician.

Screening and Evaluation

During wellness visits, we monitor development and ask questions about communication, behavior, social interaction, play, and daily routines. At certain ages, we also use autism-specific screening tools to help identify children who may need closer evaluation.

If concerns arise between checkups, you do not need to wait until the next wellness visit. We can schedule an appointment to talk through what you are seeing and decide on the next step.

Referrals and Next Steps

Some children can begin with developmental screening and guidance in our office. Others may need referral for a more formal autism evaluation, developmental assessment, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other support services.

Our pediatricians can help families understand the referral process and connect with appropriate resources.

Early evaluation can be helpful because it allows children and families to receive support as soon as possible.

Ongoing Support

Developmental concerns often involve more than one part of a child’s life. A child may need support with communication, behavior, sensory needs, sleep, feeding, school, or social development.

At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we can help monitor your child’s progress, coordinate referrals, review outside evaluations, and support your family as your child grows.

We’re Here to Help

If you are concerned about your child’s development, communication, behavior, or social interaction, you do not have to sort it out alone.

The pediatricians at Laurelwood Pediatrics can help with screening, developmental guidance, referrals, and ongoing support.

Get Comprehensive Autism Screening & Referrals for Your Child

At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we provide thorough autism screenings and referrals to help your child get the support they need. With over 66 years of combined experience since our founding in 1957, our locally owned practice offers trusted care for Memphis families. We accept most commercial insurance plans and provide 24-hour access to an on-call nurse for urgent calls.

Reach out to us to schedule your child's screening today.

How Do You Know If Your Child Needs Autism Screening?

Early detection makes a significant difference in your child's development. Laurelwood Pediatrics can help you identify the signs and take the next steps with confidence.

• Delayed speech or language skills
• Limited eye contact or social interaction
• Repetitive behaviors or movements
• Difficulty with changes in routine
• Unusual reactions to sensory input
• Challenges with communication

We'll work together to ensure your child receives the care they deserve.

Why Your Child May Need Autism Screening & Referrals

Understanding your child's developmental needs is crucial for their future success. Laurelwood Pediatrics offers compassionate screenings that provide clarity and direction for families.

• Identifying developmental delays early
• Accessing appropriate therapies and interventions
• Connecting with specialized care providers
• Understanding your child's unique needs
• Creating a supportive care plan
• Professional evaluation for peace of mind

We're here to guide you through every step of this important process.

Why Choose Laurelwood Pediatrics

Our practice has been serving Memphis families since 1957, combining decades of experience with personalized attention. Laurelwood Pediatrics makes accessing care convenient for busy families.

• Over six decades of trusted pediatric care
• Locally owned and community-focused
• On-call nurse available 24 hours for urgent concerns
• Patient portal for scheduling appointments
• Most commercial insurance plans accepted
• Compassionate approach to developmental screenings

Trust us to provide the thorough, caring evaluation your child needs.

Contact Us

Your child's developmental health deserves attention from a practice you can trust. Laurelwood Pediatrics is ready to answer your questions and schedule an autism screening that fits your family's needs. Our experienced team will provide the guidance and referrals necessary to help your child thrive.

Contact us today to take the first step toward understanding your child's developmental journey.