What is the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) (Denver 2 test)?

From the Guidelines

The Denver 2 test, also known as the Denver Developmental Screening Test II, is a recommended tool for screening general development, including speech and language, in older children. According to the clinical practice guideline: otitis media with effusion 1, this test can be used to identify children who may have developmental delays and need further evaluation. The test evaluates four key areas: personal-social, fine motor-adaptive, language, and gross motor skills. Some key points to consider when using the Denver 2 test include:

• It is used to screen general development, including speech and language, in older children
• Comprehensive speech and language evaluation is recommended for children who fail testing or whenever the child’s parent or caregiver expresses concern 1
• Early identification of developmental delays is important because timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes
• Parents should discuss any concerns about their child's development with their pediatrician, who can administer this test or refer to an appropriate specialist. The Denver 2 test is typically used for children from birth to 6 years of age, and the screening process usually takes 20-30 minutes, involving observing the child performing various age-appropriate tasks. If a child fails to perform tasks that most children their age can do, follow-up assessment is recommended.

From the Research

Overview of the Denver 2 Test

• The Denver 2 test is a revised and restandardized version of the Denver Developmental Screening Test, published in 1992 2.
• The test was developed to assess the developmental progress of children in four areas: personal-social, fine motor-adaptive, language, and gross motor.
• The test consists of 125 items, selected based on criteria such as ease of administration and scoring, item appeal, and test-retest reliability.

Purpose and Application of the Denver 2 Test

• The primary purpose of the Denver 2 test is to detect developmental delays in children, allowing for early intervention and prevention of long-term problems 3.
• The test can be used by healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, to screen children for developmental delays during routine office visits.
• The test has been used in various studies to assess the neurodevelopmental status of children with congenital heart disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of early intervention programs.

Accuracy and Reliability of the Denver 2 Test

• A study published in 1992 found that the Denver 2 test had high sensitivity (83%) but limited specificity (43%) in detecting developmental problems in children 4.
• The study suggested that the test may overrefer children for further evaluation, and that alternative scoring methods may be needed to improve its accuracy.
• Another study published in 2023 found that the Denver 2 test was effective in identifying developmental delays in children with congenital heart disease, particularly in the gross motor domain 5.

Clinical Use of the Denver 2 Test

• A study published in 2010 found that the Denver 2 test was a useful tool for evaluating the neuropsychomotor development of children treated in an outpatient clinic 6.
• The study highlighted the importance of routine administration of the test for early detection of developmental disabilities and establishment of primary prevention programs.
• The test has been used in various clinical settings to assess the developmental progress of children and to identify areas where early intervention may be necessary.