Developmental Delay and Disability

Doctors sometimes use the terms “developmental delay” and “developmental disability” to mean the
same thing. They are not, but it is sometimes difficult to determine whether a young child has a delay or a
disability, or why.
Kids do not outgrow or catch-up from developmental disabilities, although they can make progress. Not
the same as learning disabilities, but they can make learning more difficult. Conditions that can cause
developmental disabilities include Down syndrome, Angelman syndrome, autism, and brain injuries.
Developmental delays may be caused by short-term issues, such as a speech delay being caused by
hearing loss from ear infections or a physical delay being caused by prolonged hospitalization. The cause
is not always clear but early intervention can often help kids catch-up.
If a child is not catching-up as quickly, a specialist may suggest doing an evaluation. It could also help
guide the types of services and supports that may be needed.
Five Areas of Skill Development and Possible Delay
There are five areas of skill development and possible delay. A developmental delay can occur in just one
area or in a few. A global developmental delay is when kids have delays in at least two areas:
1. Cognitive skills: Ability to think, learn and solve problems. In babies (< 1 year), this looks like
curiosity. This is how your child explores the world with their eyes, ears and hands. In toddlers
(1-3 years), it also includes learning to count, naming colors and learning new words.
2. Social and emotional skills: Ability to relate to other people. Includes being able to express and
control emotions. In babies, they smile at others and make sounds to communicate. In toddlers
and preschoolers (3-5 years), they can ask for help, show and express feelings and get along with
others.
3. Speech and language skills: Ability to use and understand language. For babies, includes cooing
and babbling. In older children, includes understanding what’s said and using words correctly that
can be understood.
4. Fine and gross motor skills: Ability to use small muscles (fine motor, particularly in the hands),
and large muscles (gross motor). Babies use fine motor skills to grasp objects. Toddlers and
preschoolers use them to hold utensils, work with objects and draw. Babies use gross motor skills
to sit-up, roll-over and begin to walk. Older children use them to do things like jump, run and
climb stairs.
5. Activities of daily living: Ability to handle everyday tasks. For children, that includes eating,
dressing and bathing themselves.
There is no one cause of developmental delays, but some risk factors include complications at birth
(examples, born prematurely; low birth weight; hypoxia at birth), environmental issues (examples, lead
poisoning; poor nutrition; difficult family situations), or other medical conditions (examples, chronic ear
infections; vision problems; illnesses, conditions, or injuries that have a significant and long-term effect
on a child’s day-to-day activities)
Child Development Chart