3 Things Every Family Should Know About ASQ

March 3, 2026

If your early childhood program is using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, you know how crucial it is to involve and engage families as partners in the screening process. Early on, that means helping parents become comfortable with the idea of screening and alleviate any concerns they might have.

When you open the lines of communication with a family about developmental screening with ASQ, be sure to communicate three things up front: what screening is, why it’s important, and what the benefits are.

What Is Developmental Screening?

Help families understand what screening and developmental milestones are, so they know what to expect. Some key points to make are:

• Developmental milestones are abilities achieved by most children by a certain age.
• Developmental screening provides a quick check of your child’s development. It can be thought of as a snapshot of your child’s motor, cognitive, language, and social-emotional skills.
• Screening will help determine if your child is meeting the appropriate milestones for their age.

Did you know?

The ASQ website has a dedicated Parent Section! Written in family-friendly language, this page will help parents and caregivers understand the purpose of screening and what to expect from the process.

Why Is Screening Important?

Communicate the importance of developmental screening by sharing these powerful stats and facts:

• It’s estimated that 1 in 7 children are affected by developmental delays, learning disorders, and behavioral and social-emotional problems.
• Only a fraction of these children (20% to 30%) are identified as needing help before school begins.
• By participating in our developmental screening program, you can check your child’s development and address any potential concerns.
• Intervention before kindergarten has huge benefits because it sets children up for future success! Studies have shown that children who receive early treatment for developmental delays are more likely to graduate from high school, hold jobs, live independently, and avoid teen pregnancy, delinquency, and violent crime.

LEARN MORE:

Share our Why Screening Matters page for more facts about screening and why ASQ is the best tool available.

What Are the Benefits of Screening?

Studies show that parents’ observations of their children are excellent predictors of developmental delays. Share that fact with families and talk to them about the additional ways participating in screening can help their child.

Here are some points you can make to parents during conversation or in printed materials that you distribute before screening:

• Your answers will help you learn more about your child’s developmental milestones. After completing ASQ, many parents find they have a better understanding of what to expect next in their child’s development. This makes celebrating your child’s milestones easier and more exciting!
• Your answers will show your child’s strengths, and highlight any areas in which your child may need more help or practice. And if additional practice is needed in any area, I can share some fun and easy activities that you and your child can do together at home.
• Your answers will help me get to know your child better and show me how I can support them in the classroom. I may be able to modify certain classroom activities so your child can more fully participate.
• Your answers will be helpful in determining whether your child needs further support or assessment. It’s best to share concerns in the early years, when your child can benefit from early intervention, rather than waiting until your child starts school. And even if a concern turns out to be a typical variation in development, it’s better to raise that concern with a professional so you can be sure.

GET YOUR LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

Enhance your program with ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 Learning Activities—fun, low-cost ideas for helping families support children’s development in key areas. Preview and order them here!

Free Resources That Can Help

Visit the free Resource Library on the ASQ website for more than 150 resources on engaging families in ASQ screening. Here are a few highlights:

• How to Engage Parents and Increase Accuracy Using ASQ Online
• ASQ for Parents: Your Quick-Guide to ASQ Screening
• 9 Creative Ways to Boost ASQ Completion Rates
• ASQ Parent Conference Forms
• ASQ-3 Learning Activities Sample
• ASQ:SE-2 Learning Activities & More Sample Packet