The validation of the pervasive developmental

Abstract

Objective To modify and validate the questionnaire short version that is sensitive and be able to differentiate pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) from other significant developmental delays among children aged 1-5 year.

Materials and methods The parents of 205 children 1-5 years old with PDDs, other psychiatric problems, and normal children were asked to complete the screening questionnaires. The instrument was modified from the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Questionnaire, PDDSQ1-4. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were determined by comparing them with the diagnoses given by child psychiatrists.

Results The 10-item questionnaire composed yes/no answer of communication, social interaction and repetitive behavior or restricted range of interests items. Good internal consistency was found, the sensitivity and specificity of the score at 5 or more were 70.8% and 93.6% respectively.

Conclusion PDDs screening instrument could screen children with PDDs from normal children and children with other psychiatric disorders. In addition, this screening tool is short and convenient using by health personal in well baby clinic in the community. However, further study among large number of children in the community is needed.