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The etiology of developmental delay
1Neurosciences Department, The Institute of Child Health, University College, London Medical School, England.
Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
|April 21, 1998
Summary
Developmental delay, encompassing intellectual disability and borderline functioning, affects 1-2% of children. Causes range from genetic factors in severe cases to environmental and sociocultural influences in milder forms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Developmental delay encompasses intellectual disability (IQ < 70) and borderline intellectual functioning (IQ 71–84).
- It affects 1-2% of the child population, with most cases in the mild range (IQ 50–70).
- Etiologies vary significantly with severity, involving genetic, biological, environmental, and sociocultural factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology and etiology of developmental delay.
- To differentiate causes based on severity and developmental classification.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on developmental delay.
- Categorization of causes based on prenatal and environmental factors.
Main Results:
- Severe intellectual disability is primarily linked to genetic or acquired biological causes.
- Mild intellectual disability often stems from acquired causes.
- Borderline intellectual functioning involves both biological and sociocultural factors.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal factors like genetic conditions and gestational events contribute significantly.
- Environmental influences, such as alcohol exposure, are key in mild developmental delay.
- Understanding the diverse etiologies is crucial for targeted interventions.