​Description
Developmental Delay occurs when a child does not reach developmental milestones at the expected times. It can affect areas such as gross or fine motor skills, language, social skills, or cognitive abilities. Early detection is crucial, and parents are often the first to notice potential delays.

Causes
Developmental Delay can result from various factors, including:
- Genetic causes: e.g., Down syndrome
- Complications during pregnancy or birth: e.g., prematurity, infections
- Reversible causes: e.g., hearing loss from chronic ear infections, lead poisoning

Symptoms
Developmental red flags:
 

• 1 to 3 months:
  No response to loud noises
  Not following moving objects
  Unable to grasp objects
  No social smiles

 

• 4 to 7 months:
  Stiff or floppy muscles
  Lack of interest in people
  No response to sounds
  Inability to sit with support

 

• 8 to 12 months:
  No crawling
  No babbling
  Unable to stand with support

 

• 12 to 24 months:
  Unable to walk by 18 months
  No two-word sentences by age 2
  Inability to follow simple instructions

 

• 24 to 36 months:
  Frequent falling, difficulty with stairs
  Poor communication in short phrases
  Little interest in other children

 

• 3 to 4 years:
  Cannot hold a crayon properly
  No engagement in fantasy play
  Resists dressing, using the toilet, sleeping

Treatments: 
Treatment for Developmental Delay is individualized and may include:
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Behavioral therapies