Developmental Delay

Question 1

What are the red flags of development?

Answer 1

Lost developmental milestones
Not being able to hold an object at 5 months
Not sitting unsupported at 12 months
Not standing independently by 18 months
Not walking independently by 2 years
No words at 18 months
No interest in others at 18 months
Not running at 2.5 years

Question 2

What are the causes of global developmental delay?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What are the causes of gross Motor delay?

Answer 3

Cerebral palsy
Spina bifida
Visual impairment
Myopathy
Ataxia

Question 4

What are the causes of fine motor delay?

Answer 4

Dyspraxia
Cerebral palsy
Muscular dystrophy
Congenital ataxia

Question 5

What are the causes of social delay?

Answer 5

Emotional and social neglect
Parenting issues
Autism

Question 6

What are the causes of speech and language delay?

Answer 6

Social circumstances
Hearing impairment
Learning disability
Neglect
Autism
Cerebral palsy

Question 7

What are some infectious causes of developmental delay?

Answer 7

TORCH infections
Toxoplasmosis
Rubella
Cytomegalovirus
Herpes virus
HIV

Question 8

What are the first line investigations for developmental delay and why?

Answer 8

Haematinics - iron, folate, and B12 deficiencies
U&E - renal failure and hypnonatraemia
Creatinine kinase - muscular dystrophy
TFT - congenital hypothyroidism
LFT - metabolic disorders
Hearing test