Table 1.
Screening outcomeb | Description of concerns | Typical referrals |
---|---|---|
PEDS Path A High risk of developmental disability |
Multiple developmental and frequent behavioral concerns | Further evaluation Specialty referrals if warranted (medical, mental health) Early intervention (age 0 –2 years) or early childhood special education (age 3–5 years) |
PEDS Path B Moderate risk of developmental disability |
At least one developmental concern and other behavioral concerns | Further evaluation if warranted Early intervention or early childhood program |
PEDS Path C Elevated risk for behavioral or mental health problems |
Behavioral or mental health concerns but no developmental concerns | Further evaluation if warranted Specialty referrals if warranted (medical, mental health) Early intervention program |
PEDS Path E Low risk of developmental disability |
No concerns of any type | Early childhood program such as Head Start Annual rescreening |
M-CHAT: Fail | Shows possible signs of an autism spectrum disorder | Refer to state’s developmental disability regional center for autism diagnostic evaluation Follow PEDS referral pathway per developmental screening results |
M-CHAT: Pass | No signs of an autism spectrum disorder. Other developmental concerns may still be present. | Follow PEDS referral pathway per developmental screening results |
As a standard, all referrals included vision, hearing, and lead screening as well as recommendation of early childhood education programs.
Oral administration of the PEDS eliminates use of Path D which records questionable results for parents who have difficulty understanding the printed version of the PEDS.
PEDS, Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status; M-CHAT, Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers