Developmental and Behavioral Screening Tests
Reviewed
Also called: Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), Child Development Inventories (CDI)
Developmental and behavioral screening tests look at how your child is developing. The screenings are made up of checklists and questionnaires for parents.
Specimen: Not applicable (questionnaire only)
Why this test may be ordered
- Regular well-child checkups; the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in the U.S. recommends screening at 9, 18, and 30 months.
- Autism spectrum disorder screening; the AAP (U.S.) recommends it at 18 and 24 months.
- Additional screening if child is at higher risk due to premature birth, low birth weight, multiple birth, lead exposure, or infection during pregnancy.
- Parent or provider concern about child's development.
Preparation and collection
There are no special preparations needed for this screening.
Screenings may be done by your child's provider and/or by you with guidance from your child's provider. There are many different types of developmental and behavioral screening tests. Each asks questions about a child's development.
There is no risk in taking a questionnaire.
Understanding results
Developmental and behavioral screening tests don't diagnose these conditions, but they can show if your child is not developing on schedule.
- Developing on schedule: Developmental and behavioral screening tests don't diagnose these conditions, but they can show if your child is not developing on schedule. Limitation: When deciding on the next steps, your provider may consider the results of the screening tests in combination with your child's health and family history. Next step: If you have questions about the results, talk to your child's provider.
- Not developing at the same rate: If a screening shows your child is developing at a slower rate, it may be a sign of a developmental disability. Limitation: If the results show that your child is not developing at the same rate as other children of the same age, it doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem. Next step: But your child may be referred to a specialist for further testing and treatment.
- Does not diagnose developmental disabilities; only indicates if further evaluation is needed.
- False positives and false negatives are possible; a screen-positive result does not confirm a condition.
- Results may cause emotional concern for parents.
What to do next
If you have questions about the results, talk to your child's provider. Talk with your provider about a screening if you think there is a problem with your child's development.
- Which screening test will my child have?
- What do my child's screening results mean?
- Does my child need to see a specialist?
- How can I track my child's development at home?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Developmental and Behavioral Screening Tests