If a screening result is negative but parental concern remains or red flags persist, what is advised?

• A. Consider a referral for a comprehensive evaluation or repeat screening.
• B. Dismiss concerns.
• C. Wait several years.
• D. Provide therapy regardless.

Answer: (A)

When a screening result is negative but parental concerns or red flags persist, the best approach is to pursue a comprehensive evaluation or consider repeating the screening. Screening tools are not diagnostic and can miss conditions that are evolving or not yet evident, so ongoing assessment helps catch issues that may develop later or lie outside the screen’s scope. A comprehensive evaluation brings together a fuller history, targeted testing, and input from specialists to determine if there is a need for intervention, while repeating screening at a later time can reveal signs that emerge with growth. Dismissing concerns, waiting for years, or starting therapy without a proper evaluation can delay needed support and may lead to inappropriate or ineffective care.