Developmental screening in infancy — a critical appraisal of its value

ABSTRACT. Developmental screening of 304 infants was assessed by comparing Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) results with clinical assessment of developmental delay at 42 weeks of age. It was shown that DDST screening was effective, but largely unnecessary for the majority of infants with major delays as these infants had been identified in the perinatal period and were being followed up. DDST screening also yielded few false positive results but failed to detect many infants with minor delays.
Developmental screening tests, including the DDST, applied as isolated examinations in infant populations are not recommended as many of the conditions being screened for are inadequately understood, their natural history unknown and the need for intervention and treatment unproven. However, all families with young children should be under regular health surveillance whereby the health, growth and development of infants and the way parents rear them is assessed and parents appropriately advised.