3-Year Doctor Visit Checklist
We continue our series on checklists for yearly Pediatrician check-ups (click here to see the checklist for the 1-year visit and the 2-year visit). Pediatricians have a set of developmental red flags, but these only hit the “big-bad-uglys” as we like to call them, including: stutter, go up and down stairs by themselves, or answer and ask “yes or no” questions. These red flags are very specific, meaning a child who exhibits these red flags would be identified for services, but not very sensitive, meaning many children who would benefit from therapy services are missed. To help bridge the gap between Pediatricians’ red flags and children who need therapy services, I have put together a checklist of things to discuss with your Pediatrician at your child’s 3 year check-up.
At 3 Years, Your Child Should Be Able to Do the Following:
Gross Motor Skills
- Pedals a tricycle
- Catches a ball thrown from 5 feet away
- Jumps forward at least 24 inches, with both feet leaving the ground at the same time
- Stands on 1 foot for 3 seconds
- Walks up stairs with 1 foot on each step
Fine Motor Skills
- Draws circle, horizontal lines, and cross, with demonstration
- Strings small beads
- Opens screwed top container
- Pulls up pants and puts on coat independently
Speech Skills
- Increases word production to >300 words
- Combines 3 word phrases
- Starts to understand differences between opposites
- Begins to follow 2 –step commands
- Names colors
- Demonstrates parallel play
Take this checklist with you to your 3-year visit. If you have further concerns, schedule a pediatric physical therapy evaluation.
NSPT offers services in Bucktown, Evanston, Highland Park, Lincolnwood, Glenview and Des Plaines. If you have questions or concerns about your child, we would love to help! Give us a call at (877) 486-4140 and speak to one of our Family Child Advocates today!
