We are continuing to build partnerships and connections throughout the county. One part of that is providing SLO County web-based access to ASQ Online, so that you can complete an ASQ Screening Tool from the comfort of your own home. Please stay tuned for updates to this page!

What is the ASQ?

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a developmental screening tool. Screening is a quick check of a child’s development, taking a snapshot of the child’s current skills and helping to accurately identify children who may be at risks for delays. There are 2 that are currently in use: ASQ-3 and the ASQ:SE

The ASQ-3 looks at five developmental areas:
Communication skills: how a child understands communication and how they express themselves
Fine motor skills: hand and finger movement and coordination.
Gross motor skills: arm, leg, and other large muscle movement
Personal-social skills: self-help skills (like feeding and dressing) and interactions with others
Problem solving skills: thinking skills; how children play with toys and solve problems.

The ASQ:SE looks at the social/emotional development of your child in several areas:

Autonomy: moving toward independence
Compliance: following rules and directions
Adaptive functioning: ability to cope with bodily needs (eating, safety, toileting)
Self-regulation: ability to calm, settle down, or adjust to stimulation or conditions around them
Affect: demonstrate feelings and empathy for others
Interaction: responding to or initiating social responses with others
Social-Communication: interacting with others by responding to or initiating communication to indicate interest, needs, or feelings

Why does regular screening matter?

It is a quick and easy to use tool that not only highlights your child’s strengths, but provides insight into areas of concern. The earlier a child can receive necessary support and services, the longer they have the opportunity for that support to make the most difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who fills out the ASQ? ASQ’s are designed for parents and caregivers to fill out. You know your child best!
• Is it difficult to use? No! ASQs can be done at home, over the phone, in person, or even in a waiting room. It is made up of questions and activities that can be done with a child, so they are having fun while it’s being completed. They typically only take 10-15 minutes to fill out
• How frequently should my child be screened? California recommends screenings be done at minimum 9 months, 18 months, and 24/30 months (think 3 by age 3!) and continue to be screened regularly until age 5. The ASQ can screen children as young as 1 month old and up to 66 months (5 1/2 years) old.
• What happens when I receive my child’s score? If there aren’t any concerns about your child’s development, you may not receive specific actions for follow-up, though it is still recommended that your child get screened at the next regular interval. If your child is struggling with some skills, we will help you navigate what comes next, including a possible referral for further assessment.
• Will this give my child a label? No. The ASQ is a diagnostic tool, so it helps us learn where your child is developmentally. The tool is a way to see your child’s strengths, and can show us areas that support might be needed or if further assessment is necessary.

To learn more about the ASQ Screening Tools, visit CDC’s page on Screening: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/screening.html