Which test screens for developmental delays in young children?

Which test screens for developmental delays in young children?

• A. Denver Developmental Screening Test
• B. APGAR
• C. Glasgow Coma Scale
• D. Wechsler

Answer: (A)

Screening for developmental delays in young children uses a brief, multi-domain tool designed to flag children who may need a fuller evaluation. The Denver Developmental Screening Test is built for this purpose and is used from birth up to about age six. It checks several areas—personal-social skills, language, fine motor/adaptive skills, and gross motor skills—and flags any domain where a child is behind age-expected milestones. Because it’s a screening instrument, a concerning result means the child should be referred for a comprehensive assessment to diagnose delays and guide next steps. Other options aren’t used for this purpose: the APGAR score assesses newborn health right after birth, not ongoing development. The Glasgow Coma Scale measures level of consciousness after injury, not developmental milestones. The Wechsler tests measure cognitive abilities and IQ, and are intended for more detailed assessment, not a broad early-screen for developmental delays in young children.

Screening for developmental delays in young children uses a brief, multi-domain tool designed to flag children who may need a fuller evaluation. The Denver Developmental Screening Test is built for this purpose and is used from birth up to about age six. It checks several areas—personal-social skills, language, fine motor/adaptive skills, and gross motor skills—and flags any domain where a child is behind age-expected milestones. Because it’s a screening instrument, a concerning result means the child should be referred for a comprehensive assessment to diagnose delays and guide next steps.

Other options aren’t used for this purpose: the APGAR score assesses newborn health right after birth, not ongoing development. The Glasgow Coma Scale measures level of consciousness after injury, not developmental milestones. The Wechsler tests measure cognitive abilities and IQ, and are intended for more detailed assessment, not a broad early-screen for developmental delays in young children.