Parent‐completed screening for social emotional problems in young children: The effects of risk/disability status and gender on performance

Results of psychometric studies on the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social Emotional (ASQ:SE), a parent-completed screening tool for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, are described. The ability of the ASQ:SE to distinguish risk and disabilities groups, and the relationship of gender and ASQ:SE scores were examined. No/low risk, at risk, developmental disabilities, and social emotional disability groups were significantly different at all eight age intervals (i.e., 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48, and 60 months). Significant differences were found between males and females at the 30-, 36-, 48-, and 60-month age intervals. These data support the ASQ:SE as a valid screening test to assist in early identification of social and emotional problems in young children. ©2004 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.