Screening for Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Japanese 18- and 36-Month Health Check-Ups: Utility and Reproducibility of the ESSENCE-Q - Report - MDSpire

Evaluation of the ESSENCE-Q for Identifying Neurodevelopmental Disorders During 18- and 36-Month Health Assessments in Japan: Effectiveness and Consistency

  • By

  • Yuhei Hatakenaka

  • Koutaro Hachiya

  • Christopher Gillberg

  • July 12, 2026

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Clinical Report: Evaluation of the ESSENCE-Q for Identifying NDDs in Japan

Overview

The ESSENCE-Q has been evaluated for its effectiveness in identifying neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) during 18- and 36-month health assessments in Japan.

Background

Neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD, ADHD, LD, and IDD, affect approximately 10% of the population. Early intervention is crucial, as it can improve outcomes for affected children. The ESSENCE-Q framework offers a comprehensive approach to screening for these disorders during routine health check-ups.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • The ESSENCE-Q is designed to assess a broad range of developmental domains.
  • Validation studies have shown the feasibility of incorporating the ESSENCE-Q into routine health check-ups.
  • Early identification of neurodevelopmental red flags is possible at 18 and 36 months.
  • Screening results should be interpreted as indicators of current developmental status.
  • Professionals conducting screenings must be competent to ensure accurate assessments.

Clinical Implications

Incorporating the ESSENCE-Q into health check-ups can facilitate early identification of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusion

The ESSENCE-Q is a tool for early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders in Japan.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2024 -- Assessment of the Japanese Adaptation of the Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale for Symptoms Related to the Esophagus
  2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2025 -- Impact of Early Gestational Maternal Fasting Plasma Glucose on Developmental Delays in Children at Age Two
  3. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 2026 -- Assessment of the effects of ethnicity, home language, and socioeconomic status on neurodevelopmental performance in a multiethnic population
  4. Promotion Measures for Maternal and Child Health, 2025 -- Maternal and Child Health Framework in Japan
  5. ESSENCE-Q – used as a screening tool for neurodevelopmental problems in public health checkups for young children in south Japan - PMC, 2017
  6. Pediatric Cardiology — Quality of Life Assessment in Young Individuals with Congenital Heart Disease: Influencing Factors and the Role of Perceived Readiness for Adulthood
  7. American Academy of Pediatrics Periodicity Schedule
  8. Promotion Measures for Maternal and Child Health
  9. ESSENCE-Q – used as a screening tool for neurodevelopmental problems in public health checkups for young children in south Japan - PMC

Original Source(s)

Screening for Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Japanese 18- and 36-Month Health Check-Ups: Utility and Reproducibility of the ESSENCE-Q

  • by Yuhei Hatakenaka, Koutaro Hachiya, Christopher Gillberg

  • July 12, 2026

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