No abstract

Examined the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), a series of 11 developmental questionnaires designed to be completed by parents and caregivers of young children from 4 to 48 months of age. The ASQ were recently revised and additional psychometric data were gathered. Analyses on over 7,000 questionnaires indicated high test-retest reliability, interobserver reliability, and internal consistency. Concurrent validity using standardized measures yielded on overall agreement of 85%, with a range of 76-91%. Specificity was high across questionnaire intervals while sensitivity was lower and varied across intervals. Use of parent-completed screening tools such as the ASQ is attractive in terms of cost-effectiveness, parental involvement, and flexibility in administration procedures.

No abstract

Referral rates increased dramatically, with the greatest increase at 12 months. Although patients with pediatrician referrals were likely to qualify for services (96%), physician referrals accounted for only 42% of total referrals, which highlights the need for pediatric developmental screening. The 54% Ages and Stages Questionnaire return rate, although acceptable under study conditions, calls for alternative implementation strategies.