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 are checklists and questionnaires for parents to assess whether a child is meeting developmental milestones in language, movement, thinking, behavior, and emotions. They are used during well-child visits at recommended ages to identify potential delays early. The screening does not diagnose conditions but indicates if a formal developmental evaluation is needed.
Specimen: Not applicable (questionnaire only)
Why this test may be ordered
- Routine screening at well-child visits at 9, 18, and 30 months for general development.
- Routine screening for autism spectrum disorder 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
No special preparation is needed.
Parent-completed questionnaire or checklist
Taking the questionnaire has no known risks. However, the results may cause emotional concern. A screen-positive result does not confirm a condition, and false positives or false negatives are possible.
Understanding results
Results compare your child's developmental milestones to those of other children of the same age. They are not a diagnosis. Interpretation should be performed by a healthcare professional.
- Screen-negative (lower-likelihood of developmental delay): Your child's development appears to be on track for their age. Limitation: A screen-negative result does not guarantee normal development. Next step: Continue routine developmental monitoring during well-child visits.
- Screen-positive (higher-likelihood of developmental delay): Your child's development may be slower than expected for their age. This may indicate a developmental delay or disability. Limitation: Does not confirm a developmental disability; further evaluation by a specialist is needed. Next step: Your child may be referred to a specialist for a formal developmental evaluation.
- 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
Discuss results with your child's healthcare provider, who may recommend formal developmental evaluation or continued monitoring.
- Questions about your child's social interactions, language skills, gross and fine motor skills, and behavior.
- Based on developmental milestones such as smiling, rolling over, walking, and speaking.
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Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Developmental and Behavioral Screening Tests