ASQ Developmental Screening

Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ®) provides reliable, accurate developmental and social-emotional screening for children between birth and age 6. Drawing on parents’ expert knowledge, ASQ has been specifically designed to pinpoint developmental progress and catch delays in young children—paving the way for meaningful next steps in learning, intervention, or monitoring.

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Three kids in a garden looking at a book with a picture of ant on it

Why perform Screening

If you’re like most parents, you probably have a lot of questions when a doctor or teacher says your child will be screened. You know your child better than anyone else, and the thought of “scoring” what they can and can’t do might make you feel apprehensive—angry, even. You might wonder how a questionnaire can accurately capture all your child’s skills, and if screening might lead to a label or diagnosis. And as a busy, concerned parent, you might have practical questions too, like how long is this going to take? and what happens next?

What is developmental screening?

Screening is a quick check of your child’s development. It’s happening in a wide variety of early childhood settings these days—from doctors’ offices to preschools to child care programs. Instructions for completing a screener are included below.

Why is it important for my child to be screened?

Regular screening provides a fast and helpful look at how your child is doing in important areas like communication, social skills, motor skills, and problem-solving skills. Screening can identify your child’s strengths, uncover new milestones to celebrate, and reveal any areas where your child may need support. It helps you understand your child’s development and know what to look for next. And it helps you work with doctors and educators to plan next steps when it makes the most difference—your child’s critical first years of life.

Can a questionnaire really capture my child’s true skills and developmental progress?

Yes! Studies have shown that parent-completed screeners like ASQ® are very effective at pinpointing child progress. Information parents give about their children is usually highly accurate. Plus a parent-report tool like ASQ calls for your unique perspective on how your child behaves and performs skills in natural settings like your home. That means it can capture the big picture of your child’s development better than a screening that takes place in an unfamiliar setting.

Why would I want to fill out a questionnaire that highlights what my child can‘t do?

The great thing about ASQ is that it’s strengths-focused—the emphasis is really on what your child can do. It’s the perfect way to keep track of milestones and celebrate them as your child grows and develops.