Developmental delay in a resource-constrained environment: Screening, surveillance and diagnostic assessment

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Developmental Medicine

Background:

• Developmental delays vary in range and severity, necessitating systematic early detection and intervention.
• The formative years are critical for maximizing developmental potential.
• Resource-constrained environments present unique challenges for assessing developmental delays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a clinical approach for assessing developmental delay in resource-constrained settings in South Africa.
• To provide guidance for healthcare professionals on history taking, examination, screening, surveillance, and diagnostic assessment.
• To highlight the importance of social determinants of health in developmental delay assessment.

Main Methods:

• The article outlines a clinical approach encompassing history and examination.
• It details developmental screening, surveillance, and diagnostic assessment strategies.
• Consideration of social determinants of health is integrated into the assessment framework.

Main Results:

• A systematic approach is essential for the early and accurate assessment of developmental delays.
• The described clinical approach is applicable in low-resourced contexts.
• Healthcare professionals can utilize this information to improve developmental delay assessments.

Conclusions:

• Timely and accurate assessment is paramount for effective early intervention in developmental delays.
• The proposed clinical approach supports healthcare professionals in resource-limited South African settings.
• Addressing social determinants of health is integral to comprehensive developmental delay assessment.