The ASQ is a flexible system and it allows programs to choose the frequency of screening based on what works best with your program’s goals and capabilities. We do recommend that programs screen on a regular basis, rather than just once, from 1 month to 6 years, if possible. Using each of ASQ:SE-2 age intervals (i.e., 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48, and 60 months) is a reasonable monitoring schedule. Programs with fewer resources may choose specific intervals for their monitoring efforts.

It is advisable to monitor children over time, considering the rapid social-emotional changes that occur in children between birth and 6 years of age. Parents also have different needs at different stages of a child’s development. For example, some parents are very comfortable and at ease about parenting infants but begin to feel challenged when their child becomes a toddler and strives for independence. In addition, any change in children’s homes, schools, or health status may greatly affect their social-emotional development. For these reasons, monitoring is recommended.