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Childhood Developmental Disorders

Developmental Delay

Department of Health Child Assessment Service Developmental Disorders Series “Pre-school Children Developmental Delay”

I. What is Developmental Delay? Developmental delay is a condition whereby pre-school children fail to acquire the skills appropriate for their respective ages. The delay can be obvious in some children, while it may be minimal in others. II. What causes Developmental Delay? Genetic Factors ● Hereditary factors or chromosomal abnormalities Pregnancy and Birth Factors ● e.g. Drug misuse or excessive alcohol intake during pregnancy, complication of birth, prematurity Infancy and Childhood Illness, poisoning or brain trauma ● e.g. encephalitis or brain trauma Environmental Factors ● A lack of appropriate stimulation may lead to social or language developmental delay Unknown Factors ● The cause in most cases is unknown

III. How does Developmental Delay affect the child? Child may exhibit developmental delay in one or several areas. Due to individual differences in the cause, degree of impairment and growth environment, children with developmental delay may show variations in their performance. Intellectual Ability or Cognition ● Ability to learn, think and solve problems Language ● Abilities in verbal comprehension and expression and speech production Gross Motor ● Physical development in sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, etc. Fine Motor ● Abilities such as eye-hand coordination, use of tools and handwriting Social Skills and Adaptability ● Essential skills in communication, social interaction, self-care in daily living

IV. What are the symptoms of children with Developmental Delay? If parents have doubts over their child’s development or if they observe the following symptoms in their child, they should contact relevant organisations for assistance as soon as possible. Age Symptoms 6 months Cannot keep the head steady Cannot reach out with hands to grasp objects 1 year Cannot stand holding onto furniture Cannot pick up small objects with the thumb and index finger 1.5 years Cannot walk alone 2 years Cannot say single words, such as “car”, “teddy” Cannot follow simple instructions, such as “Give to mummy” 2.5 years Cannot scribble with a pen on paper Cannot combine single words, such as “Blow bubbles ”, “Big car” 3 years Cannot speak in simple sentences, such as “I want biscuit” Cannot match basic colours and shapes

V. Where can parents seek help if their child is suspected to have developmental delay? Preliminary Screening Maternal and Child Health Centres / Paediatric departments of hospitals / Private practitioners Further Assessment Child Assessment Centres / Paediatric departments of hospitals Treatment, Training and Education Medical service ? Occupational therapy ? Physiotherapy ? Speech therapy Social Welfare Department / Education Bureau ? Early Education and Training Centres ? Integrated Programme in Child Care Centres ? Special Child Care Centres

VI. How can parents help their child with Developmental Delay?

(1) Join parent self-help groups and make good use of community services. (2) Share feelings with others to relieve negative emotions. (3) Identify the child’s strengths to enhance self-confidence. (4) Participate in the child’s training services as far as possible and maintain communication with the instructors so as to master the training approach. (5) Arrange assessment for the child as early as possible to understand and accept his/her developmental progress.

Enquiry Numbers and Related Websites Government Bureau / Departments Department of Health Child Assessment Service 2246 6633 www.dhcas.gov.hk Family Health Service 2961 8855 (Maternal and Child Health Centres) www.fhs.gov.hk Social Welfare Department 2343 2255 www.swd.gov.hk Education Bureau 2891 0088 (24-Hour Hotline) http://serc.edb.gov.hk Special Education and Special Schools Special Education Resource Centre Other Organisations: Hospital Authority 2300 6555 (General Enquiry) www.ha.org.hk Heep Hong Society 2776 3111 www.heephong.org Overseas: Website on “Developmental Milestones of Children” www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/devdel.htm
 

 

 

 
     
 
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Last revision date: 02 October 2009