Which of the following is commonly assessed in a well child visit at 12 months?

At a well-child visit at 12 months, hearing screening is a crucial component of the developmental assessment. This age is significant because it corresponds with key milestones in speech and language development. By conducting a hearing assessment, healthcare providers can identify any potential hearing issues that may impact the child’s ability to develop communication skills effectively. Early identification of hearing deficits allows for timely intervention, which is vital for speech development and overall cognitive growth.

While visual acuity, blood pressure measurement, and body mass index calculation are also important in the broader context of pediatric health, they are not routinely assessed during the 12-month well-child visit. Visual acuity testing typically begins at a later age, around 3 to 4 years old. Blood pressure is usually measured for older children unless there are specific medical conditions that warrant earlier assessment. Body mass index is calculated but is often more emphasized as children get older and as they approach preschool age. Therefore, hearing screening stands out as a standard practice in the evaluation of a child at this specific developmental stage.