Developmental and Behavioral Screening Tests Test
Developmental and behavioral screening tests use checklists and questionnaires to see if your child is meeting typical milestones for their age. They do not diagnose conditions but can show if your child may need further evaluation.
What this test measures
These tests look at your child's language, movement, thinking, behavior, and emotions by comparing their developmental milestones to those of other children the same age.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Frequently asked questions
What do developmental and behavioral screening tests measure?
They look at your child's language, movement, thinking, behavior, and emotions using checklists and questionnaires.
Do these tests diagnose developmental disabilities?
No, they do not diagnose conditions. They can show if your child is not developing on schedule.
What happens if a screening shows a concern?
A trained specialist may do a formal developmental evaluation, which could involve observation, tests, or a questionnaire.
What are some examples of developmental milestones?
By 4 months: smiling and cooing. By 1 year: playing peekaboo and walking while holding furniture. By 2 years: saying two words together and kicking a ball.
What does it mean if my child is not developing at the same rate as others?
It doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem, but your child may be referred to a specialist for further testing and treatment.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Developmental and Behavioral Screening Tests — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.