The Metro Manila Developmental Screening Test (MMDST) is a screening test to note for normalcy of the childs

development and to determine any delays as well in children 6 years old and below. Modified and
standardized by Dr. Phoebe Williams from the original Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) by Dr.
William K. Frankenburg, MMDST evaluates 4 sectors of development:

Personal-Social tasks which indicate the childs ability to get along with people and to take care of
himself
Fine-Motor Adaptive tasks which indicate the childs ability to see and use his hands to pick up
objects and to draw
Language tasks which indicate the childs ability to hear, follow directions and to speak
Gross-Motor tasks which indicate the childs ability to sit, walk and jump

MMDST KIT. Preparation for test administration involves the nurse ensuring the completeness of the test
materials contained in the MMDST Kit. These materials should be followed as specified:

MMDST manual

test Form

bright red yarn pom-pom

rattle with narrow handle

eight 1-inch colored wooden blocks (red, yellow, blue green)

small clear glass/bottle with 5/8 inch opening

small bell with 2 inch-diameter mouth

rubber ball 12 inches in circumference

cheese curls

pencil

EXPLAINING THE PROCEDURE. Once the materials are ready, the nurse explains the procedure to the parent
or caregiver of the child. It has to be emphasized that this is not a diagnostic test but rather a screening test
only. When conducting the test, the parents or caregivers of the child under study should be informed that it
is not an IQ test as it may be misinterpreted by them. The nurse should also establish rapport with the parent
and the child to ensure cooperation.
AGE & THE AGE LINE. To proceed in the administration of the test, the nurse is to compute for the exact age
of the child, meaning the age of the child during the test date itself. The age is the most crucial component of
the test because it determines the test items that will be applicable/ administered to the child. The exact age
is computing by subtracting the childs birth date with the test date. After computing, draw the age line in the
test form.
TEST ITEMS. There are 105 test items in MMDST but not all are administered. The examiner prioritizes items
that the age line passes through. It is however imperative to explain to the parent or caregiver that the child is
not expected to perform all the tasks correctly. If the sequence were to be followed, the examiner should start
with personal-social then progressing to the other sectors. Items that are footnoted with R can be passed by
report.
SCORING. The test items are scored as either Passed (P), Failed (F), Refused (R), or Nor Opportunity (NO).
Failure of an item that is completely to the left of the childs age is considered a developmental delay.
Whereas, failure of an item that is completely to the right of the childs age line is acceptable and not a delay.
CONSIDERATIONS:

Manner in which each test is administered must be exactly the same as stated in the manual, words or
direction may not be changed

If the child is premature, subtract the number of weeks of prematurity. But if the child is more than 2
years of age during the test, subtracting may not be necessary

If the child is shy or uncooperative, the caregiver may be asked to administer the test provided that
the examiner instructs the caregiver to administer it exactly as directed in the manual

If the child is very shy or uncooperative, the test may be deferred