Have questions about your child's development?
Many parents wonder at some point about their child’s development, including their behaviour (e.g., intense tantrums, aggressivity). In some cases, they compare their child to other kids and wonder if the differences are normal. In other situations, family and friends may make comments that lead to questions.
Sometimes, a child may simply be developing at their own pace. Sometimes they may be experiencing real difficulties.
If you have questions about your child’s development, talk to a health professional at a regular checkup. If your child is attending a daycare centre, you can discuss your questions with the child’s educator.
At any time, you can call your CLSC to register your child for developmental screening as part of the Agir Tôt program. You don’t need a medical referral or prescription.
Health professionals trained to assess different aspects of child development include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, psychoeducators, speech pathologists, physicians and nurses.
At 18 months: Agir Tôt program
As part of the Agir Tôt program, all 18-month-old children in Quebec can now benefit from an enhanced vaccination appointment where parents can talk with a nurse about their child’s development and health. Depending on your region, you can book an appointment with your CLSC.
To prepare for the appointment, observe your child’s daily activities. You can fill out a short questionnaire in advance to make it easier to answer the questions you will be asked.
To access the questionnaire, visit the publications page publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/msss/fichiers/2021/21-864-11WA.pdf
Supporting children with developmental difficulties
Children with developmental difficulties require additional stimulation because some skills are more difficult for them to acquire. With your support, your child will be able to progress at their own pace. It is normal to find it demanding to support a child with developmental difficulties (see Parenting a child who is different).
Resources for parents
Children now, an organization offering a wide range of services including a telephone help line and professional legal advice. professionnels.
514 593-4303 / 1 800 361-8453
avanttoutlesenfants.ca/fr/home
Première ressource, aide aux parents, for all questions on parenting and the parent-child relationship.
514 525-2573 / 1 866 329-4223
premiereressource.com
Canadian Paediatric Society – Caring for kids, information on children’s health.
613 526-9397
caringforkids.cps.ca/
Fondation du Dr Julien, community-based social paediatric centres that provide comprehensive support and a full range of medical care and services to children and families at risk or in vulnerable situations.
514 527-3777
fondationdrjulien.org
Éditions du CHU Sainte-Justine, the hospital’s publications dealing with childhood and families listed on this website.
editions-chu-sainte-justine.org/catalogue/english-titles.html
Naître et grandir, a website on children’s development and health.
naitreetgrandir.com/en
Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec, a directory of Québec speech-language pathologists and
audiologists.
514 282-9123 / 1 888 232-9123
ooaq.qc.ca (website in French only)