What is the main goal of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)?

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is primarily designed as a screening tool to assess developmental progress in children, typically from ages one month to five years. It focuses on identifying milestones in various domains such as communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and personal-social development. By capturing this information, the ASQ helps caregivers and healthcare providers identify areas where a child may need additional support or intervention to ensure they are developing appropriately for their age.

The emphasis of the ASQ is on developmental progress rather than purely identifying learning disabilities, assessing physical health, or evaluating emotional well-being. While some aspects of development may indirectly relate to these areas, the core objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of a child's developmental milestones. Thus, it serves as an early detection system that can inform parents and professionals about potential developmental delays, allowing for timely and effective interventions if necessary.