Developmental delay

DD in a child is an inability to achieve developmental milestones in comparison to peers of the same age range.

DD is caused by genetic disorders (Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome), cerebral dysgenesis (microcephaly, hydrocephalus), vascular (occlusion, hemorrhage), drugs (cytotoxic, anti-epileptic), toxins (alcohol, smoking), early maternal infections (rubella, CMV), late maternal infections (varicella, HIV, malaria), prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation, perinatal asphyxia, metabolic dysfunction, postnatal infections, head injury, stroke, maltreatment, malnutrition, and maternal mental health disorder.

Various prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal causes may lead to mild, moderate, and severe DD ranging from a single domain to multiple domains including growth (weight, height), occipitofrontal circumference, speech, fine motor skills, visual, auditory, and bone development. Late detection of DD may result in poor outcomes resulting in learning difficulties, behavior problems, and functional impairments later on in life.

DD is not associated with increased mortality.