What is "developmental screening"?

Developmental screening refers to a brief assessment tool used to determine whether a child is meeting typical developmental milestones and may require further evaluation. This process involves observing and gathering information on various developmental aspects, including cognitive, motor, social-emotional, and language development. The purpose of developmental screening is to identify children who may be at risk for delays or disorders, thereby facilitating early intervention if needed.

In contrast, the other options represent different practices or assessments. A comprehensive psychological evaluation is more extensive and usually involves a detailed analysis of the child’s psychological functioning, including various tests and assessments that delve far deeper than a screening tool would. A method for assessing environmental influences on behavior focuses on understanding how different environmental factors affect a child’s behavior, which is not the primary goal of developmental screening. An in-depth analysis of academic performance specifically evaluates a child’s academic skills and achievements, rather than assessing overall developmental progress in various domains.

Therefore, the definition that aligns with the purpose and application of "developmental screening" is the brief assessment designed to identify children who might need further evaluation.