Which of the following is a key distinguishing feature between developmental surveillance and developmental screening in pediatric practice?

• A Surveillance is performed only at well-child visits, whereas screening is performed at every health encounter
• B Screening is performed by pediatricians, whereas surveillance is performed only by developmental specialists
• C Screening requires parental questionnaires only, whereas surveillance requires direct clinician observation only
• D Surveillance is a longitudinal, flexible process, whereas screening uses standardized tools at specific ages ✓

Explanation

Developmental surveillance is an ongoing, cumulative process of eliciting concerns, documenting milestones, and observing the child over time. Developmental screening uses validated, standardized tools (e.g., ASQ, M-CHAT-R) administered at recommended ages (9, 18, 30 months). Surveillance identifies risk, while screening detects specific delays.

Reference: American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Developmental Surveillance and Screening, 2006 (reaffirmed 2020) ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.