The pediatric extended examination at three: a system for diagnostic clarification of problematic three-year-olds.

Abstract

The Pediatric Extended Examination at Three (PEET) is a neurodevelopmental assessment system designed to aid in the early detection and clarification of problems with learning, attention, and behavior in 3- to 4-year-old children. In this study the PEET was administered to 201 preschool children in the Boston area to ascertain standards of performance on this instrument and to demonstrate concurrent validity with the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. When children with specific weaknesses on the PEET were analyzed with regard to their McCarthy scores on related indices, statistically significant agreement was documented in all areas. Data from the PEET administered to 59 children in a hospital clinic for behavioral and developmental concerns, was compared to results from the Boston area community sample. Performance on the PEET of the former group was significantly poorer, and a pattern of concerns emerged with specific therapeutic implications. Based on the two components of this study, the PEET was shown to be a valid and useful instrument which can help pediatricians clarify parental concerns about their preschool children.