Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders affect a significant proportion of children worldwide and can lead to long-term cognitive, behavioral, and social challenges if not identified and addressed early. Nurses, as primary points of contact in child health services, have a critical role in early detection through standardized developmental screening.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of nurse-led developmental screening on early detection and timely referral of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and to assess the diagnostic performance of validated screening tools in routine nursing practice.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in primary health centers involving children aged 0-5 years. Participants were assigned to either a nurse-led developmental screening group or standard care. Screening was conducted using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition and Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests for detection rates, Mann-Whitney U tests for age at referral, and calculation of diagnostic performance metrics (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV).
Results: Nurse-led screening significantly improved early detection rates compared to standard practice (14.8% vs 8.1%; p=0.0026). The intervention group showed a younger median age at referral and a higher proportion of children referred within three months following a positive screen (71% vs 48%; p=0.0207). ASQ-3 demonstrated sensitivity of approximately 82% and specificity of 88%, while M-CHAT-R/F achieved sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 93%.
Conclusion: Nurse-led developmental screening substantially enhances early identification and timely referral of children at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. Incorporating standardized tools and structured protocols into routine nursing care can bridge gaps in early detection, especially in resource-limited settings. Practical recommendations include integrating screening into existing child health services, providing structured nurse training, establishing clear referral pathways, and leveraging digital platforms for tracking and follow-up. Strengthening these components can contribute to earlier intervention, improved child developmental outcomes, and more efficient use of healthcare resources.