Comparative use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires in the USA and Scandinavia: a systematic review

Abstract

Aim The aim of this systematic review was to investigate screening practices with the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social‐Emotional (ASQ:SE) in the USA and Scandinavia and to identify practical lessons and research opportunities. Method The review was performed for ASQ‐ and ASQ:SE‐related studies in children from birth to 5 years. From nine databases and 1689 references (published from 1988–2018), 127 articles were included and categorized using Covidence online software. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklists were used before data synthesis. Results US studies primarily use the ASQ/ASQ:SE to detect delays in general and at‐risk populations in medical settings, which increases early detection, clinician‐referral, and intervention rates. Scandinavian studies commonly use the ASQ/ASQ:SE to monitor developmental–behavioural differences in intervention/exposure‐based cohorts. Pre‐visit screening yields completion/return rates of 83% to more than 90% and fosters same‐day interpretation. When referrals are indicated, systemwide care coordination or colocation with a developmental–behavioural specialist is beneficial. Interpretation Practical implementation lessons are reviewed. Research opportunities include investigating and measuring the ASQ/ASQ:SE's ‘overall’ sections. Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish translations are available but up‐to‐date norming and validation studies are needed throughout Scandinavia. Randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate outcomes in screened versus unscreened cohorts. What this paper adds General and at‐risk populations broadly benefited from periodic Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and/or Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social‐Emotional (ASQ:SE) screening. Pre‐visit ASQ and/or ASQ:SE screenining implementation systems work best. The ASQ and ASQ:SE ‘overall’ sections are not quantifiable and under‐researched.

Gross motor developmental dysfunctional outcomes in infantile and toddler pediatric intensive care unit survivors

“…And it is a reliable and valid measure which can be used to screen and monitor the development of children in the mainland of China [20]. The ASQ-3 encompasses five developmental areas: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal-social [21, 22]. Three responses are possible per item, depending on whether the child can perform the task: “Yes” (10points), “Sometimes” (5 points) and “Not Yet” (0 points).…”

Gross Motor Developmental Function Outcomes in Infantile and Toddler Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Survivors

“…The ASQ is a reliable, standardized, parent-completed, developmental screening test composed of 21 age-specific questions covering the ages of 1-66 months [19] . The ASQ-3 encompasses five developmental areas: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personalsocial [20,21] .Three responses are possible per item, depending on whether the child can perform the task: ''Yes'' (10points), ''Sometimes'' (5 points) and ''Not Yet'' (0 points). The total score for each area is obtained by adding the scores of the six items.…”

Suitability of the Estonian adaption of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional 2nd Ed (ASQ:SE-2) 36 Month Questionnaire to assess social-emotional behaviour in 3-year-old Estonian children

“…ASQ-küsimustikud on Põhja-Ameerikas laialdast kasutust leidnud eelkõige kui esmane sõeltestimise vahend -laste üldise aeglasema arengu varaseks avasta miseks alusharidusprogrammides (Baggett, Warlen, Hamilton, Roberts, & Staker, 2007;Flamant Branger et al, 2011). Taanis, Norras ja Rootsis aga on ASQ-metoodika enam kasutust leidnud kui lapse üldise ja sotsiaal-emotsionaalse arengu toetamiseks korraldatavate sekkumis programmide efektiivsuse hindaja ja abivahend sobivate sekkumiste planeeri misel (Marks, Sjö, & Wilson, 2018). ASQ-metoodika on tähtsal kohal ka paljudes meditsiini asutustes riskirühma laste arengu sõeltestimiseks (Pinto-Martin et al, 2005).…”