Monitoring tools for early identification of children with developmental delay in India: an update

Developmental screening is challenging in both developed countries and developing countries. An estimated 10% of children experience developmental delay leading to disability in India. Unfortunately, the Indian literature is limited regarding early identification and intervention of developmental delays in youngsters, given multiple barriers in implementing screening. Quick screening tools can easily be integrated into the routine work-up of infants and young children in the primary health-care system and the literature has shown the efficiency of early identification and intervention for children born with high-risk profiles. Therefore, validated screening tools may improve the early identification of developmental delay in young children, further enhancing the clinical outcome of children with developmental delays. India introduced the first development screening tool in 1991, the Baroda Development Screening Test (BDST), followed by Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII), Trivandrum Development Screening Chart (TDSC). Indian researchers have adapted few development screening tools from standardized tools available from Western countries. This review highlights the different screening tools adapted in India, psychometric properties and adapted items to the gold standard, critical appraisal of most commonly used screening tools and description on strengths and limitations. The goal is to help clinicians understand the rationale behind each tool and the different domains evaluated as per the child's needs.