Developmental Screening in Adolescence
Few developmental tests are known to be culturally bias-free. When administering tests to members of culturally diverse groups, it is essential to be sensitive and well informed.
Be sure to:
- Become knowledgeable about the culture and language of the child being tested
- Respect the family's cultural values
- Consult the norming procedures that accompany the testing manual
- Ensure all tests, evaluation materials, and procedures are given in the native language of the child’s family or through other modes of communication (when feasible)
Recommendations
American Academy of Pediatrics and Bright Futures recommend at all adolescent visits:- Psychosocial/behavioral assessment
- Alcohol and drug use assessment
Screening and Assessment Tools
The following tools can be used to assess risks in adolescence:
- Pediatric Symptom Checklist—Youth Report (Y-PSC) (opens as a PDF, see second page) Also available in English, Spanish, and Japanese from the Massachusetts General Hospital
- HEADSS psychosocial risk assessment instrument
- CRAFFT alcohol and drug screening test
| Resource for Providers |
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Area of Interest: Use of Clinical Screening Tools for Case Identification Clinical screening tools can increase the identification of psychosocial problems and mental disorders in primary care settings. Moreover, such tools can provide an important framework for discussing psychosocial issues with families. These screening tools can be grouped into three general categories:
Often a broader measure such as the Pediatric Symptom Checklist is used first, followed by a more specific tool focused on the predominant symptoms for those that screen positive on the broader measure. (Some of the more specific tools may not be readily available to primary care health professionals or may require specialized training.) Source: Bright Futures in Practice: Mental Health—Volume I, Practice Guide |
