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Background Early identification of children with potential development delay is essential to ensure access to care. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) is used as population outcome indicators in England as part of the 2.5-year review. Method The aim of this article was to systematically review the worldwide evidence for the psychometric properties of the ASQ third edition (ASQ-3TM) and the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE). Eight electronic databases and grey literature were searched for original research studies available in English language, which reported reliability, validity or responsiveness of the ASQ-3TM or ASQ:SE for children aged between 2 and 2.5 years. Twenty studies were included. Eligible studies used either the ASQ-3TM or the ASQ:SE and reported at least one measurement property of the ASQ-3TM and/or ASQ:SE. Data were extracted from all papers identified for final inclusion, drawing on Cochrane guidelines. Results Using 'positive', 'intermediate' and 'negative' criteria for evaluating psychometric properties, results showed 'positive' reliability values in 11/18 instances reported, 'positive' sensitivity values in 13/18 instances reported and 'positive' specificity values in 19/19 instances reported. Conclusions Variations in age or language versions used, quality of psychometric properties and quality of papers resulted in heterogeneous evidence. It is important to consider differences in cultural and contextual factors when measuring child development using these indicators. Further research is very likely to have an important impact on the interpretation of the ASQ-3TM and ASQ:SE psychometric evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Healthy Child Programme is the universal public health system in England to assess and monitor child health from 0 to 19. Following a review of measures for closer monitoring at age 2 years, the Department of Health for England implemented the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition (ASQ‐3™; Hereon, ASQ‐3). Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and understanding of the ASQ‐3 in England by health professionals and parents. Method: A mixed‐methods approach was used. This paper reports on the qualitative data drawn from interviews with 40 parents and 12 focus groups with 85 health professionals. The data were analysed using applied thematic analysis. Findings Overall, parents and health professionals found the ASQ‐3 acceptable and understandable and could use it as a measure at age 2 years. The ability to work in partnership was valued. Some limitations included potential to cause anxiety, concerns around the safety of some of the items, and use of Americanized language. Health professional's training in the use the ASQ‐3 was inconsistent. Conclusion: The ASQ‐3 is an acceptable and understandable measure to use as part of the 2‐year assessment with some adaptations to the English context and some standardized training for health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]