Introduction
Greetings, readers! As parents, we all want the best for our children, and that includes ensuring they’re developing properly. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-36 Months) is a valuable tool that can help you monitor your child’s progress and identify any areas where they may need additional support.
This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the ASQ-36 Months, including what it is, how to use it, and what to do with the results. By taking the time to understand and use this questionnaire, you can help your child reach their full potential.
Understanding the ASQ-36 Months
What is the ASQ-36 Months?
The ASQ-36 Months is a parent-completed screening tool that assesses a child’s development in five key areas:
- Communication
- Gross motor skills
- Fine motor skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Social-emotional skills
The questionnaire consists of 30 questions, each of which asks about specific behaviors that a child should be able to do at or around 36 months of age.
How to Use the ASQ-36 Months
Using the ASQ-36 Months is simple and straightforward.
- Download or print the questionnaire from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_asq3months.pdf
- Take a few minutes to read through the instructions and questions.
- Observe your child and answer the questions to the best of your ability.
- Score the questionnaire according to the instructions.
Interpreting the Results
The ASQ-36 Months results will be divided into three categories:
- Pass: Your child is developing on track in all five areas.
- Refer: Your child may need further evaluation in one or more areas.
- Follow-up: Your child has passed in some areas but needs additional monitoring in others.
If your child does not pass or needs follow-up, it’s important to discuss the results with your child’s healthcare provider. They can recommend additional evaluations or provide resources to support your child’s development.
Communication
Fostering Language Skills
At 36 months, your child should be able to:
- Use complete sentences with three or more words.
- Ask questions using "what," "where," and "why."
- Understand and follow simple instructions.
- Engage in pretend play with language.
To support their language development, talk to your child often, read to them, and provide them with opportunities to play with language. You can also encourage them to ask questions and answer them in complete sentences.
Encouraging Social Interactions
At 36 months, your child should be able to:
- Interact with other children in a cooperative and playful manner.
- Share toys and take turns.
- Follow social rules and expectations.
- Express their feelings appropriately.
To promote their social development, provide your child with opportunities to interact with other children in a safe and supervised environment. You can also encourage them to participate in group activities, such as playdates or preschool.
Gross Motor Skills
Enhancing Physical Abilities
At 36 months, your child should be able to:
- Run, jump, and climb with ease.
- Kick a ball with both feet.
- Balance on one foot for a few seconds.
- Throw a ball overhand.
To support their gross motor development, encourage your child to engage in physical activity every day. You can take them to the park, play sports, or simply go for walks together. You can also provide them with toys and equipment that encourage movement, such as balls, tricycles, and climbing structures.
Developing Coordination
At 36 months, your child should be able to:
- Use utensils to eat independently.
- Build towers with blocks.
- Draw simple shapes and lines.
- Zip and button their own clothing.
To improve their coordination, provide your child with opportunities to practice fine motor skills. You can play games like finger painting, molding clay, and cutting with scissors. You can also encourage them to help with simple tasks around the house, such as setting the table or putting away toys.
Problem-Solving Skills
Cultivating Curiosity
At 36 months, your child should be able to:
- Solve simple puzzles and problems.
- Explore their environment and ask questions.
- Use trial and error to learn new things.
- Demonstrate curiosity and a desire to learn.
To foster their problem-solving skills, provide your child with opportunities to explore their environment and ask questions. You can also encourage them to solve simple puzzles and problems. You can also provide them with toys and materials that encourage creativity and exploration, such as building blocks, playdough, and art supplies.
Social-Emotional Skills
Nurturing Emotional Intelligence
At 36 months, your child should be able to:
- Express their emotions appropriately.
- Understand and manage their emotions.
- Show empathy for others.
- Develop a sense of self and independence.
To support their social-emotional development, provide your child with a safe and supportive environment. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and help them to understand and manage them. You can also provide them with opportunities to interact with other children and to learn about different emotions and social situations.
ASQ-36 Months Table Breakdown
| Area | Subarea | Task |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | Language | Uses complete sentences with three or more words. |
| Communication | Language | Asks questions using "what," "where," and "why." |
| Communication | Social-Emotional | Interacts with other children in a cooperative and playful manner. |
| Communication | Social-Emotional | Shares toys and takes turns. |
| Gross Motor | Physical | Runs, jumps, and climbs with ease. |
| Gross Motor | Physical | Kicks a ball with both feet. |
| Gross Motor | Coordination | Uses utensils to eat independently. |
| Gross Motor | Coordination | Builds towers with blocks. |
| Problem-Solving | Cognitive | Solves simple puzzles and problems. |
| Problem-Solving | Cognitive | Explores their environment and asks questions. |
| Social-Emotional | Self-Regulation | Expresses their emotions appropriately. |
| Social-Emotional | Self-Regulation | Understands and manages their emotions. |
Conclusion
The ASQ-36 Months is a valuable tool that can help you monitor your child’s development and identify any areas where they may need additional support. By taking the time to understand and use this questionnaire, you can help your child reach their full potential.
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, be sure to talk to your child’s healthcare provider. They can provide you with additional resources and support.
For more information on child development and the ASQ, please visit the following websites:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/
- American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.aap.org/en/policy.
FAQ about ASQ 36 Months
What is the ASQ-36?
- The ASQ-36 is a short questionnaire that can help you track your child’s development. It is designed to identify children who may need further evaluation for developmental concerns.
Who should complete the ASQ-36?
- Parents or caregivers of children between the ages of 30 and 36 months.
How often should I complete the ASQ-36?
- Every 6 months.
Where can I get the ASQ-36?
- The ASQ-36 is available online, at your child’s doctor’s office, or at early childhood programs.
How do I complete the ASQ-36?
- The ASQ-36 is typically completed by parents or caregivers in a quiet setting where they can focus on their child’s behavior.
How long does it take to complete the ASQ-36?
- The ASQ-36 takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.
What should I do if my child has concerns on the ASQ-36?
- If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to your child’s doctor. They can help you determine if further evaluation is needed.
What are the benefits of completing the ASQ-36?
- The ASQ-36 can help identify children who may need further evaluation for developmental concerns. It can also help you track your child’s progress over time and provide reassurance that your child is developing typically.
Is the ASQ-36 a diagnostic tool?
- No, the ASQ-36 is not a diagnostic tool. It is a screening tool that can help identify children who may need further evaluation.
Who developed the ASQ-36?
- The ASQ-36 was developed by a team of researchers at the Center for the Study of Child Development at Boston University.
