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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, complications
of birth or prematurity
Infancy and Childhood
● Illness, poisoning or brain injury, 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.
Language
● Abilities in verbal comprehension and expression and speech production
Gross Motor
● Physical development in sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping,
etc.
Intellectual Ability or Cognition
● Ability to learn, think and solve problems
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.
V. Where can parents seek help if their child is suspected to
have Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder?
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Age
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Symptoms |
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6 months
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Cannot keep the head steady
Cannot reach out with hands to grasp objects |
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1 year
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Cannot stand holding onto furniture
Cannot pick up small objects with the thumb and index finger |
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1.5 years
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Cannot walk alone |
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2 years
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Cannot say single words, such as "car", "teddy"
Cannot follow simple instructions, such as "give to mummy" |
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2.5 years
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Cannot scribble with a pen on paper
Cannot combine single words, such as "blow bubbles, big car" |
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3 years
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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
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Maternal and Child Health Centres / Paediatric departments of hospitals
/ Private practitioners
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Further Assessment
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Child Assessment Centres
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Paediatric departments of hospitals
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Treatment, Education and Support Services
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Medical service
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech therapy
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Social Welfare Department / Education Bureau
- Early Education and Training Centres
- Integrated Programme in Child Care Centres
- Special Child Care Centres
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VI. How can parents help their child with Developmental Delay?
- Arrange assessment for the child as early as possible to understand
and accept his/her developmental progress.
- Participate in the child's training services as far as possible and
maintain communication with the instructors so as to master the training
approach.
- Identify the child's strengths to enhance self-confidence.
- Share feelings with others to relieve negative emotions.
- Join parent self-help groups and make good use of community services.
Enquiry Numbers and Related Websites
Copyright @ 2008
Child Assessment Service, Department of Health, HKSAR
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