Developmental delay

developmental delay

n.

A chronological delay in the appearance of normal developmental milestones achieved during infancy and early childhood, caused by organic, psychological, or environmental factors.

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Developmental delay

The failure to meet certain developmental milestones, such as sitting, walking, and talking, at the average age. Developmental delay may indicate a problem in development of the central nervous system.

Mentioned in: Mental Retardation

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developmental delay Developmental disability Neurology A disability that affects a person's development, such as, mental retardation, epilepsy, autism, cerebral palsy or similar disability Pediatrics A lag in reaching developmental milestones by the expected age Types Biological–eg, chromosomal defects or in utero infection, environmental–eg, maternal mental malady or marital malaise, or 'transactional'–ie an interplay between biological and environmental factors Diagnosis Developmental screening tests to identify developmental red flags. See Developmental milestone, Developmental red flag.