Developmental Delay (DD)

Definition and Classification

Developmental delay is defined as one having a delay in reaching milestones. The delay

in language, fine motor skills, social, and thinking milestones.

Characteristics

The characteristics of developmental delay are difficulty problem solving, delay in

memory, difficulty with processing information, the ability to acquire information, rate of

learning lower than others, and poor organizational skills.

Causes

The cause for developmental delay is not always known. Some factors that can contribute

are complications during pregnancy, heredity, premature birth. A developmental delay can also

be an underlying symptom to another medical issue. For example, autism, fetal alcohol

syndrome, or genetic disorders.

Collaborating with Parents and Families

When it comes to the student’s success, collaboration with the family is important.

Students who have been identified as having developmental delay will require accommodations

in the educational setting. They also may need to receive services outside of the school setting

such as speech or therapy. Families are able provide important information about the child’s

strengths and weaknesses. They are also able to provide information pertaining to the student

outside of the school environment. When it comes to the success of the child, they are more

likely to succeed when the family and IEP team can effectively work together to make sure the

need of the student is being met.