Developmental Screening Referrals: Child and Family Factors That Predict Referral Completion

This study researched the predictive impact of developmental screening results and the effects of child and family characteristics on completion of referrals given for evaluation. Logistical and hierarchical logistic regression analyses were used to determine the significance of 10 independent variables on the predictor variable. The number of concerns was the most significant variable in predicting screening referral outcomes. Health concerns noted in child screening results were highly predictive of having no referral evaluation completed. Social-emotional concerns had a less striking but consistently negative relationship with referral completion. Speech-language delays and developmental concerns were not significant predictors. Being female and White were strong predictors of completed referrals. The findings have implications for the timing of referrals for children's atypical screening results and underscore the importance of follow-up in developmental screening referrals made for children with multiple areas of concern and for those who have specific health concerns.