Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Parent's reports predict their child's developmental problems
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Insights
Parents reported significant developmental delays in children, with speech and social interaction problems being most common. Language symptoms significantly increased the likelihood of overall developmental delays, highlighting the need for early assessment.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Parental reporting is crucial for identifying potential developmental delays in children.
- Early identification of developmental issues enables timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document parental reports of developmental delays in young children.
- To identify common symptoms and their association with delayed development.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 180 parents/guardians of children aged 16-70 months.
- Analysis of reported developmental problems and their frequency.
- Statistical analysis to determine associations between symptoms and delayed development.
Main Results:
- Parents reported an average of 8.28 developmental problems per child.
- Most common issues included speech, understanding, social interaction, and behavioral problems.
- Language symptoms were associated with a 2.25 increased odds of developmental delay.
Conclusions:
- Parental reports provide quantifiable data on developmental difficulties.
- Specific symptoms, particularly language-related ones, are strong predictors of delayed development.
- Comprehensive assessments are necessary for children with reported developmental concerns.
Abstract:
To document parental reports about their child's delayed development, 180 consecutive parents/guardians of children, ages ranging from 16 to 70 months, were surveyed. Parents reported a mean of 8.28 (SD 4.55) problems. Symptoms most reported were not talking well (79.5%), poor speech (59.8%), immaturity (58.0%), understands poorly (55.4%), bowel/bladder problems (50.9%), seldom plays with others (47.3%), attention (46.4%), eating (43.8%), clumsy-gross motor (40.2%), and clumsy-fine motor (40.2%). There was an association between delayed development and symptoms about eating, bowel-bladder, clumsy fine-motor, not talking well, understands poorly, immature, and seldom plays with others (p<0.05). The presence of language symptoms increased the odds of delayed development by 2.25. Relevant symptoms differed by developmental domains and different groups of items predicted specific delays. Parent reports indicated quantifiable difficulties requiring detailed assessments.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Three Developmental Domains
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...

