It can be really frustrating to see other kids passing milestones before your kid does.
A developmental delay is not just staying behind, it is a significant lag. If you think that your child is dealing with this, it is very important that you seek immediate medical attention.
To help you understand this better, we at The Fitzgerald Law Firm have outlined major developmental delays and their causes:
Language and Speech Delay
Speech and language delay is quite common. It involves the ability to use and understand language. For babies, this can mean cooing and babbling.
Some Causes
- Some form of learning disability
- Previous history of child abuse
- Issues with muscles that control speech – dysarthria
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
Motor Skills Developmental Delay
Motor skills involve the ability to grasp objects and work with them. Moreover, babies use these muscles to sit up, roll over and walk. In older children, these muscles can be used to do things like jump, run and climb stairs.
Some Causes
- Cerebral palsy – a condition that leads to brain damage before birth
- Ataxia – a defect with muscle coordination
- Myopathy – muscle disease
- Vision impairment
- Spina Bifida – a condition that can cause partial or total paralysis
Social and Emotional Developmental Delays
Social and emotional development refers to kids’ ability to relate with others. It also includes control and regulation of emotions. Delays in social and emotional development can lead to problems at school.
- Cognitive delays
- Parental neglect
- Attachment problems
Vision Developmental Delays
Normally, during the first 6 months, a newborn baby’s vision is blurry. As he/she grows up, coordination between the two eyes increases. However, sometimes normal vision development can be hampered.
Some Causes
- Amblyopia – lazy eye
- Infantile cataracts – clouding in the eye’s lens
- Strabismus – cross eyes
Cognitive Developmental Delays in Children
Cognitive abilities refer to thinking, learning and problem solving abilities of kids. As the child grows up, his senses start developing and he tries to understand the world better.
Some Causes
- Genetic defects
- Exposure to a harmful stimuli, such as toxins, in the environment
- Learning disabilities
- Down syndrome
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Exposure to alcohol
- Lead poisoning
- Medical problems before birth
Sometimes, developmental delay can be a result of medical malpractice. We at The Fitzgerald Law Firm are a New York medical malpractice law firm. Our attorneys thoroughly review your child’s medical history and help you build a strong case.