As a practitioner focused on the early identification and intervention of developmental disorders in children, it's essential to stay updated with the latest research and implement data-driven practices. The study titled Screening for Developmental Disorders in 3- and 4-Year-Old Italian Children: A Preliminary Study provides valuable insights that can enhance your screening processes and outcomes.
This preliminary study, part of the "Osserviamo" project, aimed to validate the Italian version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ-3) and collect data on developmental disorders among Italian children aged 3 and 4 years. Here are the key findings and their implications for your practice:
- High Participation Rates: The study achieved an 88.67% participation rate, demonstrating the feasibility of school-based recruitment for developmental screening. This suggests that engaging schools as partners in the screening process can be highly effective.
- Gender Differences: The study found that males scored lower than females in fine motor skills and personal-social development domains. This highlights the importance of considering gender differences when interpreting screening results and planning interventions.
- Screening Outcomes: Approximately 23.35% of the children scored in the risk range for at least one developmental area, while 7.78% scored in the clinical range. These findings underscore the necessity of early screening to identify children who may benefit from further evaluation and intervention.
- Parental Involvement: The study's use of parent-completed questionnaires was effective, with only 3.38% of the questionnaires completed incorrectly. This indicates that parents can be reliable partners in the screening process when provided with clear instructions and support.
- Clinical Follow-Up: The study emphasized the importance of clinical follow-up for children who score in the clinical range. Out of the children who underwent a neuropsychiatric evaluation, 87.50% received a clinical diagnosis, highlighting the ASQ-3's effectiveness in identifying children who need further assessment.
Based on these findings, here are some recommendations to improve your screening practices:
- Engage Schools: Collaborate with schools to recruit children for screening. Schools can facilitate communication with parents and ensure high participation rates.
- Consider Gender Differences: Be aware of gender differences in developmental domains and tailor your interventions accordingly. This can help address specific needs more effectively.
- Involve Parents: Provide clear instructions and support to parents when using parent-completed questionnaires. Their involvement is crucial for accurate and comprehensive screening.
- Ensure Follow-Up: Establish protocols for clinical follow-up for children who score in the clinical range. Early identification and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for these children.
In conclusion, the preliminary findings from the "Osserviamo" project offer valuable insights for improving developmental screening practices. By engaging schools, considering gender differences, involving parents, and ensuring clinical follow-up, practitioners can enhance their screening processes and create better outcomes for children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Screening for Developmental Disorders in 3- and 4-Year-Old Italian Children: A Preliminary Study.
