Overview
Significant delay in two or more developmental domains, including motor, speech/language, cognitive, social, or adaptive functioning, in children under five years of age.
Diagnostic criteria overview
- Criterion a: performance two or more standard deviations below age expectations in two or more domains
- Criterion b: symptoms evident in early developmental period
- Criterion c: not explained by a specific medical or genetic condition alone
Symptoms
- Delayed speech and language development
- Delayed motor milestones
- Cognitive and learning delays
- Social and adaptive deficits
Impact on functioning
- Delays in self-care tasks such as feeding, dressing, or toileting
- Difficulty following age-appropriate instructions
- Limited independent play and learning
- Ongoing need for adult supervision