Adaptation of the 36-Month Ages and Stages Questionnaire in Taiwan: Results From a Preliminary Study

Abstract

Identification of children with developmental disabilities is the first critical step in providing early intervention services. Currently, only 20% of Taiwanese children who could potentially benefit from early intervention have been identified. One possible reason for this low identification rate is the lack of a culturally appropriate, developmental screening instrument for Taiwanese children. A multi-pronged pilot study was conducted to explore the reliability and validity of scores using a Chinese translation of the 36-month version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) with a sample of Taiwanese children. Results indicated that the translated Chinese version of the 36-month ASQ demonstrates initial cultural appropriateness, and reliability and validity of scores when used with a sample of 3-year-old Taiwanese children. The potential viability of the 36-month ASQ as a developmental screening instrument to identify Taiwanese children in need of early intervention services and the need for further validation research are discussed.