Ages And Stages Questionnaire

What is the Ages and Stages Questionnaire?

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a global developmental screener that healthcare providers use to assess a child's communication, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and personal-social skills. It is designed for children between 1 month and 5 ½ years old. The ASQ comprises a series of questions that parents or caregivers answer about their child's abilities and behaviors. The questions are divided into different age ranges and cover various skills.

The ASQ is important for identifying a potential developmental delay or disability in young children. The assessment of earlier development enhances the possibility for a child to achieve their maximum potential. Developmental psychologists Diane Bricker and Jane Squires, authorities in early childhood development, developed the ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 2015). The questionnaire has been translated into several languages and is used by healthcare professionals globally.

How does this Ages and Stages Questionnaire work?

By following this quick start guide, healthcare providers can obtain valuable information about a child's development and provide appropriate interventions if necessary. Here is how this parent-centric approach works:

Step 1: Distribute the questionnaire

Provide the parent or caregiver with a copy of the ASQ questionnaire appropriate for the child's age. Inform them that the screening instrument will evaluate their child's development. Each quiz covers a range of skills and is grouped into distinct age groups.

Step 2: Let the parent or caregiver answer the questionnaire

Ask the parent or caregiver to complete the questionnaire and respond to the questions to the best of their knowledge. The questions are made to be simple to grasp and relate to the skills and behaviors of their child.

Step 3: Review the responses

Review the questionnaire's responses with the parent or caregiver to ensure all the questions have been addressed. Ask the parent or caregiver to elaborate on their response if any further questions need to be answered.

Step 4: Score and evaluate

Use the ASQ scoring sheet to evaluate it, usually supplied with the questionnaire. Each domain will be given a score on the scoring sheet, indicating if the child's growth is on track, needs to be watched, or needs further evaluation.

Step 5: Create a care plan

Based on the ASQ results, give the parent or caregiver input regarding their child's development. If the child's growth and development are on pace, give the parent or caregiver encouraging words and urge them to keep up the support. Talk with the parent or caregiver about the next steps, such as scheduling more assessments or interventions if the child's growth needs monitoring or further evaluation.

Step 6: Document results

Document the results of the ASQ in the child's medical record for future reference and tracking of their development.

When should you use an Ages and Stages Questionnaire?

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire pinpoints developmental progress. Here are some instances when healthcare providers may use the ASQ:

• Routine developmental screening: Healthcare providers should conduct routine developmental screening for all children at 9, 18, 24, or 30 months (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022). The ASQ is a valuable tool for achieving these screenings.
• Concerns about developmental progress: If a parent or caregiver expresses concerns about their child's development, healthcare providers can use the ASQ to evaluate the child's skills and identify potential delays or disabilities.
• Follow-up to previous screening: If a child has previously been identified as at risk for developmental delays, healthcare providers can use the ASQ to monitor the child's progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
• In conjunction with other assessments: Combining the ASQ with other tests, such as standardized exams, can provide a more thorough assessment of a child's development.
• During well-child visits: The ASQ can be incorporated into routine well-child visits to comprehensively evaluate the child's health and development.

By completing the questionnaire, parents and caregivers can provide valuable information about their child's development, which can help healthcare providers make accurate assessments and provide appropriate interventions.

Who is this Ages and Stages Questionnaire free PDF for?

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire is a valuable tool for various groups and individuals to assess young children's development. Here are some of the healthcare providers and professionals who use the ASQ:

• Pediatricians and primary care providers: These groups often use the ASQ for routine developmental screening during well-child visits.
• Early intervention specialists: Specialists working with young children with developmental delays or disabilities may use the ASQ to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
• Educators and childcare providers: Teachers and caregivers in early childhood education settings may use the ASQ to identify children who may benefit from additional support or services.
• Public health professionals: Public health professionals may use the ASQ as part of public health programs and initiatives to promote early identification and intervention for developmental delays.‍
• Researchers: Researchers may use the ASQ as a standardized tool for measuring developmental outcomes in studies related to child development and early intervention.

It is important to remember that early developmental screening can impact a child's future.

References

Ages and Stages Questionnaire. (2015). Meet the developers - ages and stages. https://agesandstages.com/about-asq/asq-developers/

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Developmental surveillance and screening patient care. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/developmental-surveillance-and-screening-patient-care/