Developmental Delay

Developmental Delay

As a child grows and develops, he learns different skills, such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, or waving goodbye. These skills are known as developmental milestones. There is normal variation around what age children will achieve a specific developmental milestone.  Developmental delay refers to a child who is not achieving milestones within the age range of that normal variability. Most often, at least initially, it is difficult or impossible to determine whether the delay is a marker of a long-term issue with development or learning (i.e. known as a disability) or whether the child will ‘catch-up’ and be ‘typical’ in their development and learning.  ’There are five main groups of skills that make up the developmental milestones. A child may have a developmental delay in one or more of these areas:

• Gross motor: using large groups of muscles to sit, stand, walk, run, etc., keeping balance and changing positions.
• Fine motor: using hands and fingers to be able to eat, draw, dress, play, write and do many other things.
• Language: speaking, using body language and gestures, communicating and understanding what others say.
• Cognitive: Thinking skills including learning, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and remembering.
• Social: Interacting with others, having relationships with family, friends, and teachers, cooperating and responding to the feelings of others.

Usually, there is an age range of several months where a child is expected to learn these new skills. If the normal age range for walking is 9 to 15 months, and a child still isn’t walking by 20 months, this would be considered a developmental delay (2 standard deviations below the mean). A delay in one area of development may be accompanied by a delay in another area. For example, if there is a difficulty in speech and language, a delay in other areas such as social or cognitive development may coexist.

It is important to identify developmental delays early so that treatment can minimize the effects of the problem. Parents who have concerns about their child’s development should consult the child’s physician, who, in turn, might make a referral to a developmental pediatrician, developmental psychologist or pediatric neurologist. The consultant can evaluate the child and recommend treatments and therapies that might benefit the child.

What Causes Developmental Delay?

Developmental delay can have many different causes, such as genetic causes (like Down Syndrome), or complications of pregnancy and birth (like prematurity or infections). Often, however, the specific cause is unknown. Some causes can be easily reversed if caught early enough, such as hearing loss from chronic ear infections.

Can Developmental Delay Be Prevented?

Since there are so many different conditions that can lead to developmental delays, there isn’t one “right way” to prevent developmental delay. What’s important is to be aware of when your baby should be reaching developmental milestones and to consult your pediatrician if you think there may be a problem. Early intervention is key in helping your child overcome any developmental delays.

How is Developmental Delay Treated?

There is no one treatment that works for every child with a developmental delay. Children are unique; they learn and grow and develop in their own way, at their own pace, based on their strengths and weaknesses. Any treatment plan will take this uniqueness into account and be designed to focus on individual needs. Early intervention services are the main theme of treatment, but any underlying conditions that have led to developmental delay will need to be treated as well. Early intervention services may include:

• Speech and Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Behavior Therapies, such as those used to treat autism and behavioral issues

In addition, if there are other disabilities present medical or surgical treatments may be required to manage those conditions.

It is important for all children with developmental delay to have their hearing and vision evaluated so that untreated visual or hearing impairments do not complicate the situation.