Abstract
Developmental delay includes delays in speech and language
development, motor development, social-emotional development,
and cognitive development. There is high prevalence of
developmental delay in children globally. Early detection and
early interventions are essential for optimizing developmental
progress of children with developmental delay. Parenting
intervention programs have significant role in improving early
child development.
Keywords: Developmental disorders; developmental delay;
parenting intervention.
Introduction
The prevalence of developmental disorders in children is
increasing worldwide over time. Developmental problems in
infancy and early childhood can lead to learning difficulties
or behavioural problems in school age and it will adversely
affect the quality of life during adolescence. Developmental
screening must be done for all infants and young children with
suspected developmental delay. Intellectual development,
language development, motor development, behavioural
development and social-emotional development should be
assessed. Early detection of developmental problems in
children is crucial for early intervention. Because of brain
plasticity in early childhood, there is high chance of
recovering from developmental problems, by early developmental
interventions [1]. Parental understanding of normal child
development must be increased. Parenting intervention will
have positive impact on both children and families.
Prevalence of Developmental Delay
Developmental delays occur in 10%-15% of preschool children.
Global developmental delays are found in 1%-3% of preschool
children [2]. There is high prevalence of developmental delay
and emotional-behavioral problems in young children [3]. In a
study to determine the national prevalence of developmental
disabilities among children in the United States, Zablotsky B
et al found significant increases in the prevalence of
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (8.5%-9.5%, P <
.01), autism spectrum disorder (1.1%-2.5%, P < .001), and
intellectual disability (0.9%-1.2%, P < .05) [4]. Between
5% and 12% of children aged 2 to 5 years, are diagnosed with
speech or language delay [5].
In a prospective cross-sectional study to assess the
prevalence of developmental disabilities in children aged 4
months to 6 years, Chen HJ et al found an overall prevalence
of 11.36%. Speech and language delays were the most common
developmental problems with prevalence rates of 4.79%. There
was 2.33% prevalence for motor delays. Low economic status,
prematurity and history of perinatal hypoxia were the main
risk factors for developmental delay [6]. The cross-sectional
study involving 701 preschoolers, showed that 4.4% of the
children were delayed in gross motor skills and 8.8% had risk
of delay [7].
In a study examining the prevalence and risk factors of fine
motor delay in 700 pre-school children, 10.4% were delayed for
fine motor skills [8]. 43% of children below 5 years, in low
and middle-income countries experience compromised development
[9].
Benefits of Parenting Intervention
Parenting intervention programs will enhance the developmental
competence of children with developmental delay. Early
interventions can exert significant positive effects and there
is high chance of recovering from the developmental problems.
Parenting interventions for children during the first 3 years
of life are effective for improving the developmental
outcomes. Parenting interventions improve the cognitive,
language, motor, and socioemotional development of children
with developmental delay [10]. Parenting intervention programs
have very important role in improving early child development
[11]. Early parenting intervention is essential for optimizing
the developmental progress. This will lead to increased
lifetime productivity.
Conclusion
Delay in the milestones of development, adversely affect the
healthy developmental trajectories and therefore early
identification of developmental delay is very important. Early
developmental screening is vital to identify delays in
development. Increasing prevalence of developmental problems
among children, highlight the importance of early screening.
Appropriate early developmental interventions should be
provided to all infants and young children with developmental
delay. Children receive physical, intellectual, and behavioral
benefits from early parenting intervention and these benefits
are sustained over time. Parenting intervention will enable
infants and toddlers to achieve their full developmental
potential.
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