Evaluation of the Development of Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Language, and Personal-Social Skills of Children 6 to 18 Months in Khorramabad based on Denver II Developmental Screening Test

Abstract

Background: Developmental and behavioral disorders are highly prevalent health conditions in pediatrics. The development of motor, language, and social skills is one of the important issues in developing fundamental skills during the early years of life which can cause the prevalence of developmental disorders if not properly evaluated. The use of standard tools with proper validity and reliability is one of the most important factors that lead to scientific achievements. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the development of gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal-social skills of children 6 to 18 months in Khorramabad based on the Denver II Developmental Screening Test (DDST II). Materials and Methods: A total of 120 (55 girls and 65 boys) children 6 to 18 months participated in the present study in Khorramabad. DDST II (Frankenburg and Dodds, 1990) was used to assess the development of gross, fine motor, language, and individual-social skills. Sampling was performed using the convenience method. Results: No significant difference was observed between gross and fine motor development scores of children in Khorramabad and Denver. Children in Khorramabad were more mature in developing personal-social skills than those in Denver, however, they had a developmental delay in obtaining language skills. Conclusion: DDST II covers a wide range of developmental aspects from birth to 6 years which is recommended to use in health, educational and counseling centers.