What is a developmental screen?

• A. A long diagnostic assessment with no purpose
• B. A parental questionnaire about sleep
• C. A brief tool to identify potential developmental delays
• D. A medical test for hearing

Answer: (C)

A developmental screen is a brief, standardized check used to identify whether a child might have developmental delays in areas like communication, motor skills, social-emotional development, and problem-solving. It’s meant to be quick and easy to administer, often completed by a parent or caregiver or by a clinician, and it serves as a flag for whether the child should receive a more in-depth evaluation. It is not a diagnostic tool, so it doesn’t determine a disability on its own. It also isn’t about sleep or medical testing for hearing. If a screen suggests potential delays, the next step is usually a comprehensive developmental evaluation to understand the child’s needs more fully.