Choosing a Primary Care Screening Tool for Developmental Delay

Both the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status are moderately sensitive screening tools in the primary care setting.

In 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that pediatricians use a standardized screening tool to assess the development of children at ages 9, 18, and 30 months (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Nov 1 2006). Many pediatricians use the parent-completed Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) or Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS). Studies have shown that screening with these instruments is feasible in pediatric practices, but referral of children with positive screens is variable (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Feb 24 2010). Investigators in British Columbia compared the performance of the ASQ and PEDS in a convenience sample of 334 children (age range, 12–60 months) visiting primary care practices.

Parents completed both screening te…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics