J Korean Pediatr Soc.  1999 Aug;42(8):1043-1049.

Screening Device for Developmental Delay at Well Baby Visit

• Lee K

Abstract

PURPOSE: Developmental delay is a fairly common problem in childhood and its early diagnosis is crucial not only for the child but also for the family and society. If found early and properly managed, the side effects can be minimized and the child with developmental delay will have a better prognosis. However, early diagnosis is difficult due to various reasons.
METHODS
To simplify the procedure of developmental screening for all children, a very simple screening method was devised, which includes 6 test items for each target age, e. g. 2, 4, 6, 12, 15, 18 months and 2 and 3 years, parental concern for child's development and developmental age estimated by parent.
RESULTS
Sensitivity and specificity were high when there was parental concern for the child's development(89%, 67%) or more than 2 months discrepancy between chronological and developmental ages(67%, 73%), compared to more than two failures in the screening test(67%, 27%).
CONCLUSION
It is highly recommended that not only developmental screening test is performed regularly on all children but also parents should be subjectively evaluated on the child's developments.

Keyword

Developmental screening

MeSH Terms

Child
Early Diagnosis
Humans
Mass Screening*
Parents
Prognosis
Sensitivity and Specificity