Development of a triage tool for neurodevelopmental risk in XXXX aged 30 months.

@entity1 @entity3180 @entity245 @entity146
UNASSIGNED: Neurodevelopmental and @entity146 in young @entity1 predict educational, health and social problems. Early identification may significantly reduce this burden but relevant tools largely lack validation. We aimed to develop and evaluate the predictive validity of a simple screening tool for @entity245 in a community sample of 30 month old @entity1 . A sample of @entity1 was selected from a community cohort screened at 30 months by health visitors using the Sure Start Language Measure (SSLM) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in 2011. Predictive validity was assessed by comparing screening results with detailed psychometric data from the same sample 1-2 years later. Screening performance using different thresholds was explored using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) with ROC area under the curve (AUC) and bootstrapping techniques. The SSLM predicted both @entity3180 identified by the New Reynell Developmental Language Scales (NRDLS) at follow-up (AUC 0.905) and @entity245 assessed by the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (AUC 0.983). The SDQ administered at 30 months predicted @entity146 identified by the Development and Wellbeing Assessment (DAWBA) at follow-up (AUC 0.821). Using optimal cut-offs for the SDQ and SSLM at 30 months, both tools together had sensitivity 87%; specificity 64%; positive predictive value 31%; and negative predictive value 97% in the prediction of any kind of neurodevelopmental problem 1-2 years later. The combined measure reported here is not yet sufficient as a stand-alone population screening tool for @entity245 . The SSLM and SDQ did however show promise in identifying preschool @entity1 at risk of ongoing language, @entity146 and @entity245 but with fairly high false positive rates. Given that current developmental risk prediction in resource-poor settings is little better than random assignment, the SDQ and SSLM may aid clinical judgement when used as interim triage tools for practitioners with no specialist knowledge, in the context of longitudinal follow-up arrangements.
