Development - Developmental Delay

Question 1

What is global developmental delay?

Answer 1

Significant delay in two or more developmental domains in children under 5 years

Question 2

How does global developmental delay differ from learning disability?

Answer 2

GDD → diagnosis used in children < 5 years
Learning disability → persistent impairment identified ≥5 years

Question 3

What can global developmental delay suggest?

Answer 3

Genetic syndromes (e.g. Down syndrome, Fragile X)
Intrauterine insults (e.g. fetal alcohol syndrome)
Neurodegenerative or metabolic disorders
Congenital brain abnormalities

Question 4

What features require urgent investigation in GDD?

Answer 4

Loss of milestones
Seizures
Abnormal neurological examination
Regression

Question 5

What is gross motor delay?

Answer 5

Delay specific to gross motor development

Question 6

What can gross motor delay indicate?

Answer 6

Cerebral palsy
Neuromuscular disease
Central or peripheral neurological disorders
Spinal abnormalities (e.g. spina bifida)

Question 7

What gross motor features are red flags?

Answer 7

Asymmetry
Persistent primitive reflexes
Abnormal tone
Early hand preference (<1 year)

Question 8

What is fine motor delay?

Answer 8

Delay specific to fine motor development

Question 9

What can fine motor delay indicate?

Answer 9

Cerebral palsy
Visual impairment
Developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia)
Upper limb neurological impairment

Question 10

What can language delay indicate?

Answer 10

Hearing impairment
Autism spectrum disorder
Learning disability
Environmental deprivation or neglect
Bilingual language exposure (variation, not pathology)

Question 11

What is the most important first investigation in language delay?

Answer 11

Formal hearing assessment

Question 12

What specific social circumstances can lead to a language delay?

Answer 12

Limited language exposure
Reduced adult–child interaction

Question 13

What management is used for language delay?

Answer 13

Hearing assessment (audiology)
Speech and language therapy referral
Health visitor involvement

Safeguarding assessment if neglect suspected

Question 14

What can personal and social delay indicate?

Answer 14

Autism spectrum disorder
Emotional or social neglect
Attachment difficulties

Question 15

Which professionals are involved in managing developmental delay?

Answer 15

Paediatrics
Speech and language therapy
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Educational psychology