Developmental Delay

Question 1

What is a developmental delay?

Answer 1

‘Delay is said to exist when a child does not reach developmental milestones at the expected age (with adequate leeway for the broad variation). Although delay may result from a biological factor, … the primary model for pathogenesis is…a transactional one, with the process of development viewed as an interaction between the child and environment, in which can have profound effects on the other” (p.478)
o Areas: fine and gross motor, language, cognitive and psycho-social

Question 2

How is developmental delay measured?

Answer 2

• Many assessment tools available
• One national tool: Australian Early development index (AEDI), captured in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)