THE DENVER DEVELOPMENT SCREENING TEST (DDST)

The Denver Development Screening Test is a standardized test to assess gross motor, fine motor, language and social development during infancy and preschool years. The test relies on observation of the child and report by a parent, who knows the child. Direct observation is used wherever possible. It is used in clinical practice to identify children whose development may need critical study.

General Instructions:

1. Explain the purpose to the parents. 
2. Put the child at ease. 
3. The younger child may be tested in parent's lap in such a way that the child can comfortably reach the test material on a table. 
4. As the parent is being queried regarding personal social items the child may be given one or two test materials. 
5. The child should be assisted in such a way to have first successful experience (proceed from easy to difficult task). 
6. Child should only be exposed to the test items that is being administered to prevent distractions. 
7. Test should not be administered to sick child.