Developmental Disorders (DD) may include mild delays in two or more developmental domains, Global Developmental Delay (GDD) and Intellectual Disability (ID). These developmental domains typically include conditions in which a child is not developing and/or achieving skills within the expected time frame and may include a combination of mental and physical impairments.
Children with DD usually have problems in language development, gross or fine motor skills, adaptive behavior, and/or activities of daily living. They may demonstrate an uneven pattern of development, become stagnant, and/or show regression in certain skills.
Testing for a child with DD may include genetic testing (such as chromosome microarray and Fragile X testing) and EEG if we are concerned about the possibility of seizures. The role of neuroimaging (e.g., MRI brain) and testing for inborn errors of metabolism is important for certain children if we are concerned about abnormalities in their neurological examination (such as microcephaly, macrocephaly, or focal motor findings).
Interventions for children with DD may include speech, occupational, and physical therapies, referral to early intervention programs (such as Early Steps), and school-based accommodations. Medications for children with DD are used only if needed to help with specific treatable conditions.
At NNP, numerous pediatric neurologists and staff are available to help evaluate any child with a developmental disorder. Since the reasons for such disorders can vary greatly, we work to help you to understand what may be most appropriate for your child in terms of testing and management. For children with specific developmental needs, we may transition him/her to the BrainDevelopment Network, a partnership program Nicklaus Children’s Brain Institute.
For additional information about your child’s development, visit: www.cdc.gov/ActEarly or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.