The predictive validity of a simple two item developmental screening test for three year olds

Area of Science:

• Child Development
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Early Childhood Education

Background:

• Early identification of developmental delays is crucial for timely intervention.
• Existing screening tools may vary in simplicity and predictive accuracy.
• The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study provides a robust cohort for validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a simple, two-item developmental screening test for three-year-old children.
• To evaluate the predictive validity of this screening test.
• To assess its utility in identifying children at risk for later developmental issues.

Main Methods:

• A two-item screening test was administered to 937 three-year-old children.
• Children were followed up to age five.
• Predictive validity was assessed by comparing screening results with later developmental assessments (intelligence, motor, language).

Main Results:

• The screening test identified 6.9% of three-year-olds as potentially delayed.
• Over half of screened-out children scored very low in intelligence, motor, or language development by age five.
• The test identified 50-75% of children with very low five-year scores in key developmental domains.

Conclusions:

• The two-item screening test is a simple and effective tool for early developmental screening.
• It successfully predicts later low scores in intelligence, motor, and language development.
• Recommended for healthcare professionals and educators to identify children needing further developmental assessment.