Developmental Screening Test (DST)

A clinician's overview of the Developmental Screening Test (DST), the widely used Indian screening measure developed by J. Bharath Raj. How it estimates a developmental age and developmental quotient, and where it fits in Indian assessment.

What it is

The DST, developed by J. Bharath Raj in Mysore in the 1970s, is a brief Indian measure for estimating a child's developmental level. Items describe behaviours and milestones typical of successive age levels, from infancy through mid-adolescence, and are answered mainly from a caregiver interview supplemented by observation.

It yields a developmental age, and from that a developmental quotient relative to chronological age, giving a quick index of whether development is on track.

Who it is for

It is used with infants, children and young adolescents when development or possible intellectual disability is the question, particularly as a first, quick estimate before or alongside fuller testing.

It is administered by a trained examiner, usually with the parent or caregiver as informant, and is common in Indian clinical and disability-assessment settings.

How it is administered

The examiner works through the age-graded items with the caregiver, establishing which behaviours the child shows, and derives the developmental age from the levels passed. The developmental quotient is the developmental age relative to chronological age.

The test form and manual are obtained through Indian suppliers; the items are not circulated openly.

Use in India

The DST is one of the most widely used developmental screens in India because it is quick, inexpensive, and was developed for Indian children. In practice it is often administered together with the Vineland Social Maturity Scale in intellectual disability workups, with a full intelligence test following when the screen indicates. As with other Indian instruments of its era, clinicians keep the age of the norms in mind.

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Citation and sources

Bharath Raj, J. (1977). Developmental Screening Test (DST). Mysore, India.

• Child developmental milestones (background) — Wikipedia

This page is general educational information for professionals, not clinical or legal advice, and not a substitute for training in the instrument. ElloMind does not provide, sell or reproduce copyrighted test materials.