Children’s Mental Health Screening

Facilitating Screening: Administering, Scoring and Giving Results

Administering the Screen – Child Welfare

ASQ:SE-2 Scoring Guidelines

Use the following point system when scoring the ASQ:SE-2 (Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional, 2nd Edition):

  • Z (zero) next to the checked box = 0 points
  • V (Roman numeral V) next to the checked box = 5 points
  • X (Roman numeral X) next to the checked box = 10 points
  • If the parent/caregiver marks "Concern," add 5 points

Guidance for Unanswered Questions:
If any items are left blank:

  1. First, attempt to contact the parent or caregiver to obtain the missing response.
  2. If contact is not possible, you may estimate a score if the following limits are met:
    • 2–18 month intervals: No more than 2 unanswered questions
    • 24–60 month intervals: No more than 3 unanswered questions

How to Calculate Scores for Missing Items:

  1. Compute the average item score:
    • Total points from completed items ÷ Number of items answered = Average item score
  2. Calculate the final total score:
    • Total points from completed items + (Average item score × Number of unanswered items) = Final total score

Once scoring is complete, use the ASQ:SE-2 scoring sheet to interpret the child's total score and determine the need for further review or referral.