TITLE:
The Utility of the Griffiths III Developmental Assessment Tool in Evaluating Children with ASD in India
AUTHORS:
Ravichandran Poorani Ezhilmangai, Johan Cronje, Elizabeth M. Green
KEYWORDS:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Griffiths III, Developmental Assessment, India, Intervention Planning
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.17 No.6,
June
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: This observational cohort study investigated the utility of the Griffiths III developmental assessment tool in evaluating children with ASD in India, with a focus on identifying developmental profiles. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by impairments in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviours. The Griffiths III, a widely used developmental assessment tool, provides an overall measure of a child’s development across five domains. This study investigated the use of the Griffiths III in assessing children with ASD and examined its potential in identifying developmental profiles. The study examined 100 children aged 1 - 6 years diagnosed with ASD using ADOS-2 and/or DSM-V criteria. Developmental assessments were conducted using the Griffiths III, supplemented by caregiver reports and medical records. The study revealed distinct developmental profiles through domain Scaled Score Profiles. Notable findings included atypical patterns in task attempts and completion compared to typical developmental sequences. The Griffiths III proved valuable in identifying developmental patterns and informing intervention strategies in children with ASD. These findings suggest the tool’s effectiveness in both initial assessment and monitoring developmental progress in children with ASD within the Indian context.