Denver Developmental Screening Tests

Denver Developmental Screening Tests (DDST) are a series of tests used to evaluate the developmental delay or psychological development in children from birth to six years of age. The tests were developed at the University of Denver and are used worldwide.

Overview

The Denver Developmental Screening Tests consist of 125 items divided into four sections: Personal-Social, Fine Motor-Adaptive, Language, and Gross Motor. The tests are designed to identify children who are not developing at the same rate as their peers. The DDST is not a diagnostic tool, but rather a screening tool to identify children who may need further evaluation.

Personal-Social

The Personal-Social section of the DDST evaluates a child's ability to interact with others and to perform self-care tasks. This includes behaviors such as smiling, feeding oneself, and playing cooperatively with others.

Fine Motor-Adaptive

The Fine Motor-Adaptive section assesses a child's ability to perform small, precise movements, such as picking up small objects, drawing, and dressing oneself.

Language

The Language section evaluates a child's ability to understand and use language. This includes skills such as following directions, naming objects, and using sentences.

Gross Motor

The Gross Motor section assesses a child's ability to perform large, coordinated movements, such as crawling, walking, and jumping.

Use and Interpretation

The Denver Developmental Screening Tests are used by pediatricians, psychologists, and other professionals who work with children. The results of the tests can help identify children who may need further evaluation and intervention.

Limitations

While the DDST is a valuable tool for identifying potential developmental delays, it is not a diagnostic tool. A child who scores below the norm on the DDST may not necessarily have a developmental disorder. Further evaluation is needed to make a diagnosis.

See Also

• Developmental delay
• Psychological development
• University of Denver

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