Developmental delay

• What is developmental delay?


  When a child does not meet milestones by certain ages
• What is global developmental delay?


  Delay of at least 2 milestones in a child under the age of 5
• What are the possible causes of global developmental delay?


  Down's syndrome

  Fragile X syndrome

  Rett syndrome

  Metabolic disorders

  Prematurity
• What are some red flags in development?


  Developmental arrest -> child initially had normal development, but is now failing to gain further skills

  Developmental regression -> child loses previous milestones
• What are the possible causes of gross motor delay?

  Cerebral palsy

  Ataxia

  Myopathy & muscular dystrophy

  Spina bifida

  Visual impairment
• What are the possible causes of fine motor delay?


  Visual impairment (cataracts, retinoblastoma, amblyopia)

  Dyspraxia

  Cerebral palsy
• What are the possible causes of social, emotional & behavioural delay?


  Autism spectrum disorder

  Neglect

  Genetic disorders (e.g. Down's syndrome)

  Hearing impairment
• What are the possible causes of language delay?

  Global delay (most common)

  Hearing impairment

  Chronic otitis media with effusion (glue ear)

  Environment (lack of stimulus)

  Psychiatric (e.g. autism)

  Bilingual household