Mackrides PS, Ryherd SJ. Screening
for developmental delay. Am Fam Physician. 2011 Sep 1;84(5):544-9. PMID: 21888305 [PubMed - in process]
According to the literature,
12 to 16 percent of children in the United States have at least one
developmental delay, yet as many as one-half of affected children will not be
identified by the time they enter kindergarten. If developmental delays are
detected too late, opportunities for early intervention may be lost. Empirical
literature on clinical recommendations for developmental delay screening in
primary care is inconsistent and often insufficient to direct the family physician. In addition, multiple
barriers exist, which often prevent physicians from performing initial
screening and completing additional evaluation and referrals. Implementing
office-based systems for screening and referrals may overcome these barriers and improve outcomes.
Recent studies support the use of a validated screening tool at regular,
repeated intervals, in addition to physician surveillance, at all well-child
visits. The literature also supports screening for developmental delay with
parent-completed tools rather than directly administered tools. The most
extensively evaluated parent-completed tools are the Parents' Evaluation of
Developmental Status and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Family physicians
should be familiar with currently available screening tools, as well as their
limitations and strengths. Additional evaluations and referrals are recommended
if developmental delay is identified or suspected.