Developmental Screening

 Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is the most accurate and parent friendly way to screen young children and identify potential developmental delays as early as possible. Parent Link Centres offer the Ages and Stages Questionnaire for parents to use to give them a ‘snapshot’ of their child’s development, educate families about what to expect in their child's next stage of development, and offer parent's ideas and suggestions to promote and support their child's development.

Why is Monitoring Child Development Important?

The first 5 years of life are very important because this time sets the stage for success in school and later adulthood. This is optimal time for your child to learn through play and experiences. It is important to ensure that each child is developing as expected during this period.

What Is the Ages and Stages Questionnaire?

This is a simple questionnaire that the parent fills out at home. It is based on the age of the child and asks specific questions to determine your child’s development in the following areas: 

  1. Communication: looks at the child's language skills, both what he/she understands and what he/she can say.
  2. Gross motor: looks at large muscle movement and coordination.
  3. Fine motor: looks at hand and finger movement and coordination.
  4. Problem solving: looks at how the child plays with toys and the child's problem-solving skills.
  5. Personal social: looks at the child's self-help skills and interactions with others.
  6. An Overall section addresses general parental concerns.

Where can I get an Ages and Stages Questionnaire?

Developmental screens can be picked up at the Parent Link Centre - 127 1st Avenue West, Cochrane.

How do I complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaire?

 As you play with your child, you are asked to observe the way that your child completes certain activities. You check "yes" if your child performs the activity regularly; "sometimes" if your child does it only occasionally; "not yet" if your child does not do the activity yet.

What do I do with the completed Ages and Stages Questionnaire?

Once you complete the questionnaire, return it to the Parent Link Centre and it will be reviewed by a staff person. The staff will go over the results with you. You will receive a list of appropriate activities you may enjoy doing with your child to continue to promote development.

What happens if the Ages and Stages Questionnaire determines that my child has an area of concern?

 If your child is identified as having an area of concern, the parent will be given a referral to an appropriate agency for further evaluation. This does not mean that there is something wrong with your child, but perhaps they simply need extra attention in one of the five identified areas. 

Contact: 403-851-2265 for more information or to arrange a time for a developmental screen through the Parent Link Centre.