Developmental delay refers to a delay in a child’s developmental milestones as compared to the standardized normal population. Research suggests that developmental delays are seen in approximately 10 to 15% of the children population.
With some developmental delays, you might not notice any changes in your child’s health. It’s mostly diagnosed when a newborn pediatrician or a general physician observes certain irregularities during routine checkups.
But what is the reason for the baby’s developmental delays? What causes developmental delays in children? Let’s find out!
What causes developmental delays in a newborn?
As suggested by newborn pediatricians, developmental delays can be motor, psychological, social, anatomical, behavioral, or may occur due to delay in adapting skills or ADL (Activities of Daily Living).
Developmental delays can either be gross or fine. For instance, your child may have difficulty walking or jumping…
There are several reasons for delayed milestones in newborns which makes it difficult to pinpoint one cause. And sometimes, a retarded growth may itself be a sign of another disorder, like autism.
The prenatal, natal, postnatal, and other known causes of developmental delays are:
Prenatal:
- Syndromes like Down Syndrome
- Toxins exposure in pregnancy like alcohol, or drugs
- Chromosomal disorders, for example, Turner syndrome
- Maternal Infections
Perinatal:
- Prematurity
- IUGR
- Hemorrhage
- Encephalopathy
- Hypoglycemia
Postnatal:
- Infections
- Trauma/Stress
- Metabolic disorders
- Malnutrition
Miscellaneous:
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Sickle cell anemia
- Genetics
- Hypothyroidism
- Growth Hormone deficiency
Signs Of Developmental Delay
It’s difficult to precisely determine the reason for a baby’s developmental delay. However, you may look out for the following signs and symptoms in a baby:
- Inability to hold neck by 3 months
- Can’t stand or crawl by 1 year
- Floppy limbs
- Dominant involuntary reflexes
- Unable to socialize concerning his/her age
- Speaking difficulty
- Or any obvious anatomical change
Final Words
We recommend you talk to a consultant neonatologist if you notice any physical, cognitive, or psychological delays in children. Dr. Olfa is an experienced neonatologist in Dubai, who will provide all the information you need regarding a newborn’s health.
REFERENCES
- Choo, Y. Y., Agarwal, P., How, C. H., & Yeleswarapu, S. P. (2019). Developmental delay: identification and management at primary care level. Singapore medical journal, 60(3), 119–123. https://doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2019025
- Pietrangelo, A. (2020, August 13). What You Need to Know About Developmental Delay. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/developmental-delay#causes
- Developmental Delay. (2019, November 22). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/developmental-delay
