Developmental delay

Question 1

What is a global developmental delay?

Answer 1

Global developmental delay refers to a child displaying slow development in all developmental domains. This could indicate an underlying diagnosis such as:

Down’s syndrome
Fragile X syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome
Rett syndrome
Metabolic disorders

Question 2

Gross motor developmental delay?

Answer 2

A delay that is specific to the gross motor domain may indicate underlying:

Cerebral palsy
Ataxia
Myopathy
Spina bifida
Visual impairment

Question 3

Fine motor delay?

Answer 3

A delay that is specific to the fine motor domain may indicate underlying:

Dyspraxia
Cerebral palsy
Muscular dystrophy
Visual impairment
Congenital ataxia (rare)

Hand preference before 12 months is abnormal - it could be an indicator of cerebral palsy!!

Question 4

Language delay?
Management?

Answer 4

A delay that is specific to the speech and language domain may indicate underlying:

Specific social circumstances, for example exposure to multiple languages or siblings that do all the talking
Hearing impairment
Learning disability
Neglect
Autism
Cerebral palsy

Management of language delay involves a referral to speech and language, audiology and the health visitor. Referral to safeguarding is required if neglect is a concern.

Question 5

Personal and social delay?

Answer 5

A delay that is specific to the personal and social domain may indicate underlying:

Emotional and social neglect
Parenting issues
Autism