You may hear professionals talking about developmental disorders or developmental delay, which simply means that your child has not reached a particular milestone at the stage in their life that would be expected.

For example, if your child is late to walk, they may be described as having a developmental delay.

What does Develpmental Disorder mean?

Areas that children may be developmentally disabled or delayed in can include:

• Physical and gross motor skills –how your child moves their arms, legs and body.
• Fine motor skills –how they make the small movements needed to hold a pen or pick up a bead.
• Communication and language –how your child talks and understands.
• Social interaction –how your child relates to others.
• Cognitive –how your child thinks and learns.
• Emotional –how your child behaves. 

Global developmental disorders or delay simply means that your child is delayed in two or more of these areas.

Why does my child have a Developmental Disorder?

There are many reasons why your child may be developmentally delayed. Sometimes it can simply be a lack of experience; for example, if they haven’t played with other children because they are an only child, they may be delayed in their social interactions.

Alternatively, the delay could be due to something that occurred while your child was in the womb, such as exposure to infection. Premature babies are at more risk of being developmentally delayed than other children, and it can also run in the family.

Extract taken from Special Educational Needs - A Parent's Guide. For more information on developmental disorders, take a look at the book - available now in eBook, printed book and large print formats. Buy the printed version and get the eBook free!