What are the benefits of developmental screening?
• Learn about their child’s development • Recognize their child’s skills and abilities • Identify developmental areas that may need extra attention • Plan intervention strategies, including referrals to qualified professionals, if required • Promote early identification Is the NDDSUSA appropriate for different cultures? The test items are sensitive to the varying cultural values in child rearing and allow for alternate experiences. Some items have been marked with an asterisk to indicate the item may not be common to all cultures. In some situations, developmental differences may reflect the culturally based experiences that the child has had, rather than indicate a delay. In these situations it is important to respect the family’s culture. Discussion with the family may provide a teaching opportunity, but not necessitate a referral. Speech and language skills are specific to a child’s first language. Caution must be taken when interpreting “no” responses when the Screen administered i
