Illinois Unmet Needs Project
The need for developmental screening and education programs in Illinois came from the Unmet Needs Project, in which Dr. Ann Cutler with the University of Illinois at Chicago and Dr. Linda Gilkerson with the Erikson Institute surveyed almost 1,000 pediatricians and family physicians in Illinois. The survey showed that:
- 87% of the physicians surveyed, and 92% of the pediatricians, reported that they provide developmental monitoring
- 64% are not using commercially developed screening tools
- 36% do use a standardized tool, but screen for social-emotional/behavior problems less often than for development
The survey also provided significant data on barriers to screening. The most frequently cited barrier to developmental screening was lack of time, which was cited by three-quarters of respondents. Other issues identified included lack of staff to conduct screenings, inadequate reimbursement, lack of sufficient training in doing developmental screening, and lack of parent acceptance of delay.
