Developmental delays are when your child doesn’t reach developmental milestones, like walking or talking, at the expected times. Developmental delays can have many causes, including genetic conditions like Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome.

Tests

Developmental Screenings
Developmental screenings use questionnaires, a physical exam, and other tests to diagnose developmental delays. Your pediatrician can perform a developmental screening.

Genetic Testing
If your child has a developmental delay, they may benefit from genetic testing. Genetic tests can reveal the exact causes of developmental delays and help your clinical geneticist design an individualized treatment plan for all your child’s health needs.

Treatments

Early Interventions
Children with developmental delays benefit from early intervention. Early intervention may include different types of therapy — such as physical, occupational, or speech — as early as possible following diagnosis.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help children with motor skills, balance, and other movements.

Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy assists children with activities of daily living, like getting dressed and feeding themselves.

Speech Therapy
Speech therapy helps children gain language and communication skills.

Special Education
Children with developmental delays may need special education support at school. You will work with your child’s teachers and school to create an individualized education plan (IEP) for your child. Federal law requires that schools provide these plans to parents and children.

Why Choose UHealth?

A national leader in precision medicine. As leaders in precision medicine, we have been selected by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as one of 10 sites in the country to participate in the All of Us Research Program. This program finds new ways to deliver personalized care by considering your particular lifestyle, health conditions and genetics. As one of our patients, you can help change the future of health care and precision medicine, helping future generations receive the specialized care they need.

A team approach to your care. Our clinical geneticists (medical doctors who specialize in genes and heredity) work alongside expert physicians in oncology, neurology, pediatrics, cardiology, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, and other specialties to give you the most comprehensive care in South Florida — all in one place. Whether you receive care in our multidisciplinary clinics or a general clinic, we ensure you receive personalized treatment specific to your needs. Our dedicated genetic counselors, medical geneticists, and other medical staff support you and your family in all steps of your medical journey.

Innovative treatment designed for you. Using advanced genetic tests, our genetics experts can identify the exact cause of your child's condition and provide treatment based on your child’s needs. This means your child gets appropriate testing and treatment options designed just for them.