A developmental delay occurs when a child has the delayed achievement of one or more of his/her developmental markers. Developmental milestones are determined by the average age at which children attain each skill. Statistically, about 3% of children will not meet the markers on time, but only about 15-20% of these children will have abnormal development. Developmental delays may affect your child's speech, language, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, life skills, and/or social skills. Consult with your Pediatrician and a formal screening test, such as the Denver II Developmental Screening Test should be completed. Testing for the cause of a global developmental delay may include a head MRI.
Children with developmental delays should be referred to an early childhood intervention program (for children under 3), so that an evaluation can be initiated, a treatment plan developed and start treatment right away.
