Developmental Delay

Question 1

What is global developmental delay?

Answer 1

A child displaying slow development in all developmental domains

Global developmental delay may indicate underlying diagnoses such as Down’s syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, Rett syndrome, or metabolic disorders.

Question 2

What are potential underlying diagnoses for global developmental delay?

Answer 2

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

These conditions can contribute to a child’s overall slow development.

Question 3

What does a gross motor delay indicate?

Answer 3

It may indicate underlying conditions such as:
* Cerebral palsy
* Ataxia
* Myopathy
* Spina bifida
* Visual impairment

Gross motor delays affect a child’s ability to perform large movements.

Question 4

List some conditions associated with gross motor delay.

Answer 4

• Cerebral palsy
• Ataxia
• Myopathy
• Spina bifida
• Visual impairment

These conditions can significantly affect a child’s gross motor skills.

Question 5

What does a fine motor delay indicate?

Answer 5

It may indicate underlying conditions such as:
* Dyspraxia
* Cerebral palsy
* Muscular dystrophy
* Visual impairment
* Congenital ataxia (rare)

Fine motor delays affect a child’s ability to perform small movements.

Question 6

List some conditions associated with fine motor delay.

Answer 6

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

These conditions can affect a child’s dexterity and coordination.

Question 7

What may a language delay indicate?

Answer 7

It may indicate underlying issues such as:
* Specific social circumstances
* Hearing impairment
* Learning disability
* Neglect
* Autism
* Cerebral palsy

Language delays can stem from various personal and environmental factors.

Question 8

What are some social circumstances that may lead to language delay?

Answer 8

• Exposure to multiple languages
• Siblings that do all the talking

These social factors can limit a child’s opportunities to practice language skills.

Question 9

What is the management for language delay?

Answer 9

Involves referral to:
* Speech and language therapy
* Audiology
* Health visitor

Referral to safeguarding is required if neglect is a concern.

Question 10

What does a personal and social delay indicate?

Answer 10

It may indicate underlying issues such as:
* Emotional and social neglect
* Parenting issues
* Autism

Personal and social delays can affect a child’s interactions and relationships.

Question 11

What are the red flags in global developmental delay?

Answer 11

• no social smile by 8 weeks
• not sitting by 9 months
• not walking by 18 months
• no words by 2 years
• developmental regression at any time