Child Development
Dr Nisa Khalil
Early detection leads to better outcomes. The sooner we understand what is happening, the sooner we can support your child to thrive.
This assessment helps identify developmental concerns, including:
Speech & language delay
Learning & intellectual difficulties
Attention & hyperactivity (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Global developmental delay
Screening is not only for children who seem behind. International guidance sets specific ages so that concerns are picked up early, not after school has started.
Every well-child visit
Developmental surveillance: the paediatrician asks about milestones, watches your child, and records what you have noticed. The CDC milestone checklists now cover every recommended visit from 2 months to 5 years.
9 months
The first formal developmental screen using a validated tool, covering movement, communication, problem solving and social skills.
18 months
The second developmental screen, plus the first autism-specific screen at the same visit.
24 months
The second autism-specific screen. Some children screen negative at 18 months and positive at 24, which is exactly why it is repeated.
30 months
The third and final routine developmental screen before school age.
In Malaysia
Ministry of Health child health clinics run developmental screening as part of routine child health visits, and use the M-CHAT for autism at the 18-month and 36-month visits.
One change worth knowing. In 2022 the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics rewrote the milestone checklists so that each milestone sits at the age by which about 75% of children have reached it, rather than 50%. The point was to end wait and see. If your child has not reached a milestone on the current checklist, that is a reason to ask, not a reason to wait.
One focused session. Everything you need to know, documented and explained.
1
Comprehensive developmental history
Dr Nisa takes a detailed history of your child’s development, milestones, and your concerns.
2
Standardised screening assessment
Using validated tools matched to your child’s age and situation.
3
Clinical observation of your child
A live assessment of your child’s behaviour, communication, and development during the session.
4
Written medical report
A formal report documenting the findings, observations, and recommendations, useful for school, therapists, and referrals.
5
Parent guidance and next steps
Dr Nisa explains what the findings mean and what to do next, whether that is monitoring, support, or referral.
In-person at ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur. By appointment.
Consider a developmental assessment if you are a parent who…
Is worried about speech delay or late talking
Has been told to “wait and see” but still feels something isn’t right
Notices your child isn’t meeting developmental milestones
Suspects autism, ADHD, or learning difficulties
Wants a second opinion from a paediatrician who works in child development
Needs a formal report for school, therapy, or referral
★★★★★ 5.0 · 242 Google reviews
★★★★★
“Dr Nisa is everything you hope for in a paediatrician. She was incredibly kind and patient, and took the time to really listen to our concerns.”
Nurul A.
Mum of a 3-year-old · Google review
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“We came in worried about our son’s speech. Dr Nisa was thorough, reassuring, and gave us a clear plan to follow.”
Izzaty M.
Mum of a 2.5-year-old · Google review
★★★★★
“The report she provided was incredibly detailed. The school and the therapist both said it was one of the best they had seen.”
Rashidah K.
Mum of a 4-year-old · Google review
Who should I see in Kuala Lumpur if I am worried about my child's development?
A paediatrician who does developmental assessments is the right first step. Dr Nisa Khalil is a Consultant Paediatrician at ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, with a special interest in child development. She holds an MBBS (IIUM) and an MMed in Paediatrics (Universiti Malaya), and sees children aged 0 to 6. No referral is needed to book.
At what ages should my child be screened?
My child was told to wait and see. Should I?
What ages is this assessment for?
How do I book?
How long is the session?
When do I get the medical report?
Is this a diagnosis?
What if I have questions before booking?
The screening ages, milestone standards and assessment steps described here follow published paediatric guidance, not opinion.
Guidelines and evidence
Ministry of Health Malaysia. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents, 2014.
A Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in child development and early intervention, offering calm, evidence-based care for your child. How to choose a paediatrician in KL.
Consultant Paediatrician at ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Special interest in child development & early intervention
MBBS (IIUM) · MPaeds (Universiti Malaya) · MMC 49282
18+ years’ experience in paediatrics
Free for parents
A quick, private check you can do at home in about two minutes. It is a guide for parents, not a diagnosis, and if anything needs a closer look, Dr Nisa is here to help.
This is a screening guide for parents, not a diagnosis. It does not replace a consultation.
Don’t wait and wonder. A one-hour session with Dr Nisa gives you clarity, a written report, and a clear plan for your child.
Medically reviewed by Dr Nisa Khalil, Consultant Paediatrician
This page is general education for parents. A developmental screening identifies concerns and guides next steps; it is not a full diagnostic evaluation or a substitute for ongoing clinical care. For advice about your child, please book an in-person consultation.