A developmental delay refers to a child who has not gained the developmental skills expected of him or her, compared to others of the same age. Delays may occur in the areas of motor function, speech and language, cognitive, play, and social skills.
Who is affected by developmental delays?
Developmental delays are common in childhood, occurring in 10%–15% of preschool children. Global developmental delays are less common, occurring in 1%–3% of preschool children.
What are examples of developmental delays?
Developmental delay can also be a symptom of other underlying medical conditions, including:
- autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)
- cerebral palsy.
- fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
- Landau Kleffner syndrome.
- myopathies, including muscular dystrophies.
- genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome.
