Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/developmental-and-behavioral-screening-tests/

Developmental and Behavioral Screening Tests

What are developmental and behavioral screening tests?

Developmental and behavioral screening tests look at how a child is developing. The screenings are made up of checklists and questionnaires for parents. They include questions about their child's language, movement, thinking, behavior, and emotions.

Many of the questions are based on developmental milestones. Developmental milestones are skills and behaviors that show up in babies and children at certain ages as they grow. They include smiling for the first time, rolling over, and walking. The screening compares your child's milestones to those of other children of the same age. If the screening shows your child is developing at a slower rate, it may be a sign of a developmental disability. Developmental disabilities are conditions that cause problems in physical and/or mental functions. They include:

  • Intellectual disabilities (ID). These conditions cause below average mental abilities. People with ID often have problems with learning and daily living skills.
  • Autism spectrum disorder. This is a disorder that affects behavior, communication, and social skills.
  • Cerebral palsy. This is a condition that affects movement, coordination, and balance.
  • Deafness or other hearing problems

Developmental and behavioral screening tests don't diagnose these conditions. But a screening can show if your child is not developing on schedule. When developmental disabilities are found and treated early, it can make a big impact on a child's life. Early treatment, known as early intervention, helps children learn important skills, make the most of their strengths, and improve their quality of life.

Other names: Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), Child Development Inventories (CDI)

What are they used for?

Developmental and behavioral screening tests are used to see if a child is meeting his or her developmental milestones. Below are some examples of milestones for infants and toddlers.

  • Birth to 4 months Includes smiling, cooing, and bringing hands to mouth.
  • 6 months. Includes playing with others, looking at themselves in the mirror, sitting without support, and rolling over.
  • 9 months. Includes making sounds like "mama" and "dada," understanding the word "no," crawling, and pulling to a stand.
  • 1 year. Includes playing peekaboo, following simple directions, and walking while holding on to furniture.
  • 18 months. Includes speaking and understanding several words, eating with a spoon, walking, and walking up and down stairs.
  • 2 to 3 years. Includes recognizing labels and colors, naming pictures of common objects, getting dressed and undressed, and walking and running easily.

Developmental milestones are general guidelines. Children grow at different rates. There is a range in what is considered normal development. But looking at milestones can help identify potential problems early.

Why does my child need a developmental and behavioral screening test?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental and behavioral screenings for all children during regular well-child checkups at the following ages:

  • 9 months
  • 18 months
  • 30 months

The AAP also recommends that all children should be screened for autism spectrum disorder during regular checkups at 18 and 24 months.

Also, talk to your provider about a screening if you think there is a problem with your child's development. As a parent, you will probably be the first to notice any problems with the way your child interacts, learns, speaks, or moves.

What happens during a development and behavioral screening test?

Screenings may be done by your child's provider and/or by you with guidance from your child's provider.

There are many different types of developmental and behavioral screening tests. Each asks questions about a child's development. You may be asked about your child's social interactions, language skills, and/or gross and fine motor skills. Motor skills are the ability to move muscles. Gross motor skills involve moving large muscles for movements such as walking and jumping. Fine motor skills are the ability to move small muscles with precision, such as picking up a toy or using a fork.

Common tests include:

  • Ages and Stages Questionnaire. This test is designed for children between the ages of 1 month and 5 1/2 years. It contains a series of questions with answer choices of "yes," "sometimes," and "not yet."
  • Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS). This test is designed for children from birth to age 8. It is a brief test that can be completed in about five minutes.
  • Child Development Inventories (CDI). These are three different tests. They are geared to age groups from infancy to preschool. Each contains 60 yes or no questions.
  • Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT). This test is for toddlers between the ages of 16 and 30 months. It includes a series of yes or no questions.

Are there any special preparations needed for this screening?

There are no special preparations needed for this screening.

Are there any risks to the screening?

There is no risk in taking a questionnaire.

What do the results mean?

If the results show that your child is not developing at the same rate as other children of the same age, it doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem. But your child may be referred to specialist for further testing and treatment. If you have questions about the results, talk to your child's provider.

Is there anything else I need to know about developmental and behavioral screening tests?

If screening tests show a problem with your child's development, your child's provider may recommend at-home developmental monitoring. Developmental monitoring is a way to look at how your child grows and changes over time. Parents and other caregivers use brief checklists to track the child's development.

References

  1. Center for Parent Information and Resources [Internet]. Newark (NJ): Center for Parent Information and Resources; Overview of Early Intervention; 2017 Sep 1 [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/ei-overview
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Developmental Monitoring and Screening; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/screening.html
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Facts About Developmental Disabilities; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/facts.html
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Important Milestones: Your Baby By Four Months; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-4mo.html
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Important Milestones: Your Baby By Nine Months; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-9mo.html
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Important Milestones: Your Baby By Six Months; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-6mo.html
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Important Milestones: Your Baby By Two Months; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-2mo.html
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Important Milestones: Your Child By Eighteen Months; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-18mo.html
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Important Milestones: Your Child By Three Years; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-3yr.html
  10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Important Milestones: Your Child By Two Years; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-2yr.html
  11. ECTA: Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center [Internet]. Chapel Hill (NC): ECTA Center; c2012–2020. Developmental Screening and Assessment Instruments; 2008 May [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://ectacenter.org/~pdfs/pubs/screening.pdf
  12. Family Health Outcomes Project [Internet]. San Francisco: The Regents of the University of California; c2013. Developmental and Behavioral Screening Guide for Early Care and Education Providers; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://fhop.ucsf.edu/sites/fhop.ucsf.edu/files/custom_download/Developmental%20and%20Behaviour%20Screening%20for%20Early%20Care%20and%20Education%20Providers.pdf
  13. Head Start: ECLKC: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center [Internet]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Developmental Screening for Children Ages Birth to 5; [updated 2020 Jan 21; cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/child-screening-assessment/article/developmental-screening-children-ages-birth-5
  14. HealthyChildren.org [Internet]. Itaska (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics; c2021. Assessing Developmental Delays; [updated 2019 Feb 14; cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Assessing-Developmental-Delays.aspx
  15. HealthyChildren.org [Internet]. Itaska (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics; c2021. How Pediatricians Screen for Autism; [updated 2019 Dec 16; cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/How-Doctors-Screen-for-Autism.aspx
  16. Healthy Start Epic Center [Internet]. National Institute for Children's Health Quality; Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status: Developmental Milestones (PEDS:DM); [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.healthystartepic.org/resources/evidence-based-practices/parents-evaluation-of-developmental-status-developmental-milestones-pedsdm/
  17. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998–2021. Autism spectrum disorder: Symptoms and causes; 2018 Jan 6 [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928
  18. Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co. Inc.; c2021. Intellectual Disability; [updated 2020 May; cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/children-s-health-issues/learning-and-developmental-disorders/intellectual-disability
  19. M-CHAT [Internet]. M-CHAT.org; c2009. The M-CHAT Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers: Revised with Follow-up; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://m-chat.org/en-us/page/take-m-chat-test/online
  20. MN Department of Health [Internet]. St Paul (MN): Minnesota Department of Health; All Instruments at a Glance: Developmental and Social-Emotional Screening Instruments for Young Children in Minnesota; [updated 2020 Aug; cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.health.state.mn.us/docs/people/childrenyouth/ctc/devscreen/glance.pdf
  21. National Institute of Mental Health [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Autism Spectrum Disorder; [updated 2018 Mar; cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
  22. UF Health: University of Florida Health [Internet]. Gainesville (FL): University of Florida Health; c2021. Development milestones record: Overview; [updated 2021 Mar 9; cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://ufhealth.org/developmental-milestones-record
  23. UF Health: University of Florida Health [Internet]. Gainesville (FL): University of Florida Health; c2021. Intellectual disability: Overview; [updated 2021 Mar 9; cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://ufhealth.org/intellectual-disability
  24. University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2021. Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/developmental-disabilities/conditions/asd.aspx
  25. University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2021. Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics: Cerebral Palsy (CP); [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/developmental-disabilities/conditions/cp.aspx
  26. UW Health [Internet]. Madison (WI): University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority; c2021. Healthwise Knowledgebase: Developmental delays; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://patient.uwhealth.org/healthwise/article/std17237
  27. UW Health [Internet]. Madison (WI): University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority; c2021. Healthwise Knowledgebase: Developmental disabilities; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://patient.uwhealth.org/healthwise/article/std120755
  28. UW Health [Internet]. Madison (WI): University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority; c2021. Healthwise Knowledgebase: Intellectual disability; [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://patient.uwhealth.org/healthwise/article/stm159405
  29. Very Well Family [Internet]. New York: About, Inc.; c2021. Fine and Gross Motor Skills in Children; 2019 Nov 7 [cited 2021 Mar 9]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-are-motor-skills-3107058

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.