[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 ] |