Parental assessment of developmental delay in children: some limitations and hazards

Acta Paediatr. 2005 Aug;94(8):1006-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2005.tb02035.x.

Abstract

According to a study published in the present issue of Acta Paediatrica, mothers' reports of developmental delays in children of preschool age were associated with socio-economic factors.

Conclusion: For the present, developmental screening procedures using parental assessments cannot be considered evidence based. National health service systems ensuring preventive health care for all children, regardless of socio-economic background, will form a more solid basis for early detection and treatment.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Developmental Disabilities / diagnosis*
  • Developmental Disabilities / epidemiology
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Mother-Child Relations
  • Parents*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Safety
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Socioeconomic Factors