Developmental milestones are achieved by children across the multiple domains of development in the early years of life. The AAP Committee on Children with Disabilities states that: “All infants and young children should be screened for developmental delay".
Developmental screening identifies those who may need further evaluation and referral for services. Ages and stages questionnaire (ASQ) third edition is a Parent-completed effective developmental screening tool. Its success lies in its parent-centric approach and inherent ease-of-use.
The Arabic version of the ASQ3 questionnaire considered suitable, reliable, and easy to use instrument for assessment and follow up of child development. It could be administered to caregivers during the regular visits to the primary health care for vaccination. The questionnaire should be scored by the primary health care physician.
An easy, quick and cheap screening tool as ASQ3 is considered very helpful for early detection of developmental delay which will lead to early intervention and subsequent reduction in the incidence of disability, better life for the children with special needs and reduction of its burden on the community and government