A developmental disability is a long-term issue, while developmental delays may improve with intervention and can disappear altogether once a child catches up in their development (Royal Children's Hospital, 2009). However, there are certain red flags that are important to be aware of that may contribute to the potential for developmental delays in children (Abubakar, Holding, Van De Vijver, Newton, and Van Baar, 2010). Speech delays in children are common, they are in fact the most common type of developmental delay (McLaughlin, 2011).
Children who have a very slow rate of learning often cause concern in the first two years of life (Abubakar et al, 2010). Children with a mild intellectual disability may not cause concern until their third or fourth year with a delay in their talking (Royal Children's Hospital, 2009). However, all children develop at their own pace and therefore some delays are noticed in children's kindergarten years then their play and learning skills are less well developed compared to other children of similar age (Royal Children's Hospital, 2009). Children are at genetic risk for major developmental delays by being born with a genetic or chromosomal abnormality (How Kids Learn, 2014). Environmental risk results from exposure to harmful toxins, such as lead or drugs, or other infections that are passed from mother to child during pregnancy, including measles or HIV, also place the child at a greater risk for developmental delays (How Kids Learn, 2014). Prenatal factors such as viral infections, and toxemia place children at risk (Dunlap, 2014). Perinatal factors including prolonged labor (lasting longer than twenty-four hours), and delivery may lead to injuries or lack of oxygen for the child (Dunlap, 2014). Also, children with low birth weight and premature babies are at a higher risk. Postnatal factors, such as maternal deprivation can also affect a child's development (Dunlap, 2014).