Which two screening tools are widely used for early childhood development?

• A. Denver Developmental Screening Test
• B. Bayley Scales of Infant Development
• C. ASQ and M-CHAT
• D. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children

Answer: (C)

Screening tools for early childhood development are designed to flag children who may need a closer look from professionals. The two most widely used in practice are the Ages and Stages Questionnaires and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. Both are brief, parent-completed questionnaires that many pediatricians and early childhood programs rely on because they’re inexpensive, easy to administer, and have strong evidence supporting their use across diverse populations.

Ages and Stages Questionnaires screens general development across key domains—communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social—so it can catch a broad range of developmental concerns with a simple form parents fill out. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers focuses specifically on identifying children at risk for autism spectrum disorder, prompting timely follow-up and comprehensive evaluation if needed. Together, they provide efficient, scalable screening coverage for young children.

The other options are different kinds of assessments. The Denver Developmental Screening Test is an older tool still used in some places but not as widely or routinely as a quick-screening pair today. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development are a thorough, in-depth developmental assessment rather than a quick screen. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children is an IQ test intended for school-age children, not for early screening.