Study Finds Quick Tests Help Spot Development Delays

A new study out of Canada can help parents and doctors ask the right questions to identify developmental delays in children.

BRITISH COLUMBIA -- Researchers with BC Children's Hospital and the University of British Columbia say two quick, low-cost questionnaires can help family doctors better identify developmental delays in children.
Parents can complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) or the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) at home or in the family physician’s office, with the physician scoring the tests and providing results in a matter of minutes.

"It really asks them, 'Do you have concerns about your child's development in a number of areas?' so that's not too difficult for most parents to answer anyway," said family doctor and study co-author Dr. David Joyce.

"And just asking those simple questions about concerns is better than asking none of those questions at all."

Easing Anxiety at the Doctor's Office

Medical appointments can be very challenging for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The combination of long waiting times, unfamiliar surroundings, and invasive - sometimes painful - experiences can make the appointment anxiety-provoking for parents and traumatic for children.
Parents and educators can make these experiences less upsetting by informing others of their child's needs and using strategies based on the principles of behavior analysis.
Often, if medical practitioners are aware that they will be serving a child with a disability, they can make special accommodations to help the visit go more smoothly.