At what age is the ASQ:SE-2 used for a child?

A short, structured questionnaire that listens to how your child connects, feels and copes — from their earliest months right through to starting school.

In short

The Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional, 2nd edition (ASQ:SE-2) is a parent-completed screening tool used for children from 1 month up to 6 years (72 months). It focuses specifically on social and emotional development — how a child relates to others, manages feelings, communicates needs and adapts to everyday routines. It is a screen that flags where a closer look may help, not a diagnosis.

How the age bands work

ASQ:SE-2 is organised into nine age-specific questionnaires, each tuned to what is typical at that stage — covering 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48 and 60 months, with each version covering a window of months around that point so it spans the full 1-to-72-month range. A parent or caregiver answers short, plain-language questions about behaviours such as settling, self-regulation, interaction with people, and expressing emotions. Because the questions are matched to your child's age, the tool gently highlights areas of strength and areas that may benefit from review — always read alongside what you know of your own child.

What it does and does not do

ASQ:SE-2 is a screening questionnaire, not an assessment that gives a diagnosis. A result that suggests a closer look is an invitation, not a verdict — many children simply need a little time or targeted support. The right next step is a proper developmental review with a qualified clinician, who looks at the whole child rather than a single form.

The Pinnacle way

This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care, never from an app or form alone. Our team uses structured, clinician-administered assessment to understand your child's social and emotional development in full, drawing on behavioural therapy and other supports where helpful. Learn more about the ASQ:SE-2 as part of early developmental screening.

Trusted sources

The CDC and HealthyChildren guidance on developmental and social-emotional milestones; the American Academy of Pediatrics on developmental screening in early childhood; the WHO Nurturing Care Framework on early childhood development.

Next step — If you would like to understand your child's social-emotional development, book a developmental review with our team to map their strengths and start any helpful support early.