A parent-completed developmental questionnaire: follow up of ex-premature infants

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Updated: Oct 7, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

C Y Skellern1, Y Rogers, M J O'Callaghan

  • 1Royal Childrens' Hospital and District Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. skellernc@health.qld.gov.au

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|May 1, 2001
PubMed

Insights

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) effectively screens premature infants for developmental delays, showing high accuracy in identifying those unlikely to need further assessment. Its strong negative predictive value supports its use in monitoring high-risk infants.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neonatal Follow-up
  • Screening Tools

Background:

  • Premature infants face elevated risks of developmental disabilities.
  • Early identification and intervention are crucial for mitigating developmental issues.
  • A reliable screening tool is needed to efficiently manage high-risk premature infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the test characteristics of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) in an Australian cohort of premature infants.
  • To determine the ASQ's utility as a screening tool for developmental delays in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 167 premature infants (12-48 months corrected age) was assessed.
  • The parent-completed ASQ was compared against formal psychometric assessments (Griffith, Bayley, McCarthy scales).
  • Developmental delay was defined as a score below 1.0 standard deviation on psychometric tests; ASQ cutoff was 2.0 SD.

Main Results:

  • The ASQ demonstrated high sensitivity (90%) and negative predictive value (98%).
  • Specificity was 77%, with a positive predictive value of 40%.
  • Overall agreement between ASQ and psychometric assessments was 79%.

Conclusions:

  • The ASQ's high negative predictive value supports its use for screening cognitive and motor delays in ex-premature infants.
  • The ASQ can aid in triaging premature infants, identifying those unlikely to require full developmental assessment.
  • Integration with other strategies is recommended for comprehensive follow-up programs for ex-premature infants.
Abstract

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