Delay in the development of functions such as speaking, reading, arithmetic ability, motor skills, and social and communication skills.
A significantly longer-than-normal length of time before a child learns certain skills or begins to be able to do certain key kinds of activities, called developmental Milestones.
The condition in which a child in his or her early years of life has not attained the physical, intellectual, or social development considered normal for his or her age. In the first 5 years of life, children continually change, achieving skills in four areas: movement, language, intellect, and sociability. While individual children vary, defined developmental milestones exist within which normal children develop certain skills such as sitting up or walking. For example, most children can walk by age 18 months. A child of that age who cannot walk may be experiencing developmental delay. Problems such as hearing or vision impairments can cause delay in language and intellectual development; once these impairments are treated, development can proceed. Babies who were born prematurely may lag behind other infants the same age but catch up fully by age 2.
An impairment in the performance of tasks or the meeting of milestones that a child should achieve by a specific chronological age. The diagnosis of a developmental delay is made with testing that assesses cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development as well as communication and adaptive skills.
The term “developmental delay” is employed when a baby or young child has not acquired new skills within the anticipated timeframe. Typically, specific ages mark the emergence of new abilities and behavior patterns, while existing patterns undergo transformations or, on occasion, cease to exist.
The extent of delays can vary in severity and have the potential to impact the progression of one or more essential skills, including hand-eye coordination, walking, listening, language acquisition, speech development, and social interaction.
When a child experiences delayed development across multiple areas, it often indicates a generalized issue. This could stem from significant visual or hearing impairments, intellectual limitations, or damage to the brain occurring before, during, or after birth. For additional insights into potential causes of generalized delay, please refer to the table provided above.
In many instances, a delay in movement and walking does not signify a serious underlying cause. However, there are situations where specific factors come into play. These can include conditions like muscular dystrophy and spina bifida. Similarly, delays in the development of manipulative skills, such as the ability to grasp and utilize objects with the hands, are often attributed to insufficient stimulation.
Delayed speech development can be attributed to various causes. The primary factor is deafness, which can result in the child being unresponsive to auditory stimuli. Autism, although rare, can also be a cause where hearing is normal, but the child may exhibit limited response to human speech. Another potential cause is a generalized difficulty in muscle control, which can affect speech production and is often observed in children with cerebral palsy. Speech difficulties may also arise from damage to or structural abnormalities of the speech muscles, the larynx (voicebox), or the oral cavity. Additionally, any condition that impacts the speech-related areas of the brain can contribute to speech impairments.
There is significant variation among children in the age at which they achieve control over bladder and bowel functions. Typically, bowel control is attained before bladder control. Delays in bladder control are more prevalent compared to delays in bowel control. These delays can stem from a wide range of potential causes.
Parents often become aware of delays in their child’s development, and in such cases, it is crucial to promptly consult a health visitor or doctor. Additionally, delays can be identified during routine developmental assessments conducted by a health visitor, family doctor, or paediatrician. These assessments are typically performed at various stages, including birth, six weeks, six to eight months, 18 to 24 months, three years, and five years.
When a child exhibits signs of developmental delay, it is important for them to undergo a comprehensive assessment. This typically entails a physical examination, along with hearing and vision tests, as well as a thorough evaluation of their developmental progress. Depending on the situation, further investigations may be necessary, including blood tests to check for any genetic abnormalities. In some cases, referral to specialists such as neurologists, speech therapists, or physiotherapists may also be recommended.
The treatment approach for developmental delay depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. It may involve interventions such as speech therapy or family therapy, as well as the provision of physical aids like glasses or hearing aids. Parents play a vital role in providing support and assistance to their child. In certain cases, enrolling the child in a specialized school or unit that caters to the educational needs of children with specific difficulties can also be beneficial.