A child with developmental delay does not learn how to do certain skills
around the same age as other average children.
The child does not learn as quickly as expected.
What causes it?
There are many different medical and environmental conditions that can cause
delay.
Some cases may be due to low birth weight.
Other causes may include brain injury or brain infection.
Who can get it?
Some cases are inherited, or passed down from mother or father to child.
Some parents may be likely to have more than one child with developmental
delay.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Each child has different symptoms.
Each child will have his own unique strengths and difficulties.
Your child may have trouble crawling or walking. He may not be able to move
or control parts of his body.
He may have difficulty learning new tasks.
He may have difficulty with communication, such as learning how to speak
or understanding others.
He may have problems with seeing and/or hearing.
He may have seizures.
He may have behavior problems or difficulties in social situations (making
friends, having conversations).
He may have memory problems.
He may not be able to take care of himself. He may need help going to the
bathroom or keeping himself clean.
Older children and adults may have trouble with certain jobs and may need
economic support.
How is it treated?
The doctor will take tests and follow your child's growth over time.
Treatment is different for each child depending on the cause and type of
delay.
Medication may help.
Parents can help by giving love and support. Praise your child for what
he can do.
Working with special doctors may help.
Working with teachers and other professionals can help.
Treatment can also help prevent future problems.
How long does it last?
Some children will catch up to other children in early childhood.
Other children will have problems into adulthood.
Some children will make progress throughout their life. They will learn
new things and how to do new tasks. But, certain tasks may remain out of their
reach.
Can it be prevented?
A doctor may be able to tell some parents what their chances are of having
a baby with developmental delay.
Keeping your child safe using car seats, seat belts, bike helmets, etc.
can help prevent brain injury.
Immunizations also can prevent some causes of brain injury.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if you think that your child is not growing or learning
at the right rate.
Often, your local school will have helpful suggestions and resources you
can use. Call your local school or your doctor for more information.
Call your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Quick Answers
A child with developmental delay does not learn as quickly as expected.
Different medical and environmental conditions can cause delay.
Some parents are more likely than others to have a child with developmental
delay.
Each child with delay has different symptoms. He may have trouble with communication,
learning, movement, seeing, or hearing.
Treatment is different for each child depending on the cause and type of
delay.
Medication may help.
Some children will catch up to other children in early childhood. Other
children will have problems into adulthood.
To prevent brain injury, use car seats, seat belts, bike helmets, etc.
Call your doctor or local school to learn more about what resources are
available for children with developmental delay.
References
Mathews, K. Pediatric Neurology: Developmental Delay. Virtual Children's
Hospital. 1998 October (cited 2002 January 31). URL: http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/Peds/Neurology/DevelopmentalDelay.html
Pediatric Development and Behavior. Developmental Delay. 1997 September
20 (cited 2002 January 31). URL: http://www.dbpeds.org/conditions/conditions.cfm?Abbrev=developmental_delay
The Techknowledge Developmental Disability Resource for Georgia. Information
on Disabilities. (cited 2002 January 31). URL: http://www.arch.gatech.edu/crt/Techknow/DDdis.htm#DDdef
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