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Developmental Delay, Pediatric

Rita Panoscha, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Developmental delay is a descriptive term, not a specific diagnosis, comprising many disorders and encompassing a broad category of etiologies.

  • The term describes any situation where ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

A complete and detailed history is needed, including the following: 
  • Pregnancy history

    • Maternal age and parity

    • Maternal complications (including infections and exposures)

    • Medications/drug...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Therapy should include appropriately treating any medical conditions and associated findings, for example, anticonvulsants for seizures or hearing aids when appropriate for h...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • General pediatric care for well-child visits and to monitor any underlying medical conditions is indicated.

  • These children need ongoing monitorin...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Battaglia A, Carey JC. Diagnostic evaluation of developmental delay/mental retardation: an overview. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet.  2003;117C(1):3–14. [View Abstract on Ovi...

CODES

ICD9

  • 315.9 Unspecified delay in development

  • 315.4 Developmental coordination disorder

  • 315.39 Other developmental speech disorder

  • 315.8 Other specified delays in development

  • 315.2 Other specific devel...

FAQ

  • Q: When do you test a child for delays?

  • A: A child can have developmental assessments at any age, including infancy. Making a specific diagnosis, for example, for level of intellectual disability, ...

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