Editorial: Early Identification of Developmental Delays: Are Two-Stage Screeners the Next Logical Step?

Early detection of developmental delays along with early intervention and supports offer the most promise for better outcomes for children, including improved motor, cognitive, and socioemotional outcomes.¹ The terms developmental delay and developmental vulnerability (hereafter developmental delay) are frequently used to refer to children who show delay in achieving one or more milestones in the developmental domains of fine and gross motor, speech and communication, and cognitive skills, and socioemotional competence. Although developmental delays disproportionately affect children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, appropriate intervention and supports are known to improve outcomes and to be cost-effective.² With strong evidence supporting early identification and intervention, the American Academy of Pediatrics introduced the Brighter Future guidelines, recommending that developmental surveillance and screening be implemented at routine well-child visits, which has since been adopted by policy bodies internationally.³.