A screening result usually comes back as one of three categories: low concern, moderate concern, or high concern. None of these is a diagnosis. They are summary labels for what the tool noticed in your answers. Here is how to read each one.
Low concern (or "low risk")
The screening did not pick up many red flags at this point in time.
What it may mean:
- The pattern you are seeing may be developmentally typical, or short-lived.
- Other factors (a sibling new in the home, a daycare transition, illness, sleep regression) may be more relevant right now.
- A different screening may be more appropriate (for example, anxiety or speech).
What it does not mean:
- It does not mean "ignore your concerns." A negative result on one tool today does not erase the patterns you have been noticing for months. Parents are usually the first to notice that something is different - trust that.
- It does not mean you cannot re-screen later. Children change quickly, and a future result may look different.
A reasonable next step: keep tracking, and re-screen in 3-6 months if the pattern continues.
Moderate concern
The screening picked up more red flags than expected, but not as many as the "high concern" range.
What it may mean:
- The pattern is worth a closer look with a professional.
- A pediatrician visit, and possibly a referral, makes sense.
- It is not yet clear whether the cause is ADHD, autism, a speech or language difference, anxiety, or something else.
A reasonable next step: book a pediatrician visit and bring the result, your notes, and any teacher feedback. Ask whether evaluation, therapy, or school support is appropriate.
High concern (or "elevated risk")
The screening picked up a strong cluster of red flags.
What it may mean:
- A more thorough professional evaluation is recommended.
- For toddlers, this may include a referral to a developmental pediatrician, speech-language pathologist, or your local Early Intervention program.
- For school-age children, this may include a developmental or psychological evaluation.
What it does not mean:
- It does not mean your child definitely has ADHD or autism. Screening tools can have false positives - meaning some children who score high turn out to have a different explanation.
- It does not mean treatment must start immediately. The next step is a professional conversation, not a prescription.
A reasonable next step: book a pediatrician visit soon. Ask specifically about a developmental evaluation referral.
False positives and false negatives
Every screening tool has limits.
- False positive: the tool says "concern" but a full evaluation does not find ADHD or autism. The child may still benefit from speech, behavior, school, or sensory support.
- False negative: the tool says "low concern" but the parent's concerns are real. Pediatricians take parent observations seriously even when a screening is negative.
A screening is one helpful data point. It is not the whole story.
What to bring to the doctor
- The screening result (printed or saved).
- A short list of 3-5 specific examples of behaviors.
- Notes from teachers or daycare staff if possible.
- A short video, if behavior is hard to describe (a meltdown, a no-response-to-name moment).
- A list of questions you want to ask.
What not to conclude from a single screening
- Do not stop watching milestones just because a screening was "low concern."
- Do not panic about a "high concern" result before a professional has weighed in.
- Do not share the result widely or treat it as a label - it is private information meant to help you take the next step.
A simple next step
Save the result. Pick one action from the list above and put it on this week's calendar.