Two quick and simple surveys are accurate in diagnosing developmental delays in children before they reach school age, and could be easily incorporated into a physician’s practice, according to a new study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.
"Only 30 per cent of children with developmental delays are identified prior to school age – whether that’s social, physical or learning – and most experts would agree that we should be identifying those delays earlier through regular screening," explained lead author Dr. Marjolaine Limbos.
The two tests – the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status – require parents to answer a series of questions about their children’s abilities and take between five and 15 minutes to complete.
These answers then give the family doctor the necessary information to flag any children who may be at risk of a developmental disorder, referring them to a specialist for further testing and diagnosis.
To examine the accuracy of the tests, researchers worked with 334 children from 80 doctors’ offices across Ontario. The parents filled out both surveys and the children also underwent a series of proven psychological tests to compare the results.
"Our research shows that overall, the ASQ and, to a lesser extent, the PEDS are accurate and can be administered effectively and at low cost," concluded Limbos.