developmental delays

USAGE SUMMARY

"developmental delays" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an individual or group of individuals who are lagging in social, mental, or physical milestones compared to their peers. For example, "The school's special needs program helps students with developmental delays reach their educational goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Both suffered from developmental delays and malnutrition.

The New York Times

It can cause stunting, developmental delays and psychological trauma.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her daughter Chloe had cerebral palsy and developmental delays.

The New York Times

As their son, Matthew, neared a year old, they noticed developmental delays.

The New York Times

Doctors told the Hodgeses that their son might have some developmental delays.

The New York Times

Many of the toddlers from welfare families showed developmental delays, the study said.

The New York Times

Nearly two-thirds had nervous system disorders like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or developmental delays.

The New York Times

Her mother, Elizabeth Platt, started two remedial nursery schools for children with developmental delays.

The New York Times

His son Nicholas, 19, who also has developmental delays, is 6ft 9in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lucy, who attends a special school, has developmental delays, affecting her speech, reading and writing.

The Guardian

Children whose developing brains are exposed to lead can have developmental delays and disabilities for their entire lives.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "developmental delays", be specific about the areas of development affected (e.g., speech, motor skills, social skills) to provide a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "developmental delays" as a broad label without specifying the affected areas. This can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate portrayals of a child's abilities and challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developmental delays" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a condition or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and accepted term. Examples from Ludwig show it describing a range of conditions affecting children.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "developmental delays" is a frequently used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a condition where a child's development is slower than expected. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is observed most commonly in "News & Media" and scientific contexts, serving the purpose of describing and categorizing such situations. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to specify the affected areas of development for clarity. Alternatives like "delayed development" or "developmental difficulties" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delayed development

Reverses the order of the words while maintaining the core meaning.

developmental setbacks

Emphasizes a regression or halt in developmental progress.

developmental difficulties

Highlights the challenges faced during development.

delayed milestones

Focuses on the specific achievements or markers that are not reached on time.

slow development

Indicates a reduced pace of progress.

atypical development

Suggests a deviation from the typical developmental path.

lagging development

Implies falling behind in developmental progress.

developmental immaturity

Indicates a state of being less developed than expected for a given age.

developmental disorders

Encompasses a broader range of conditions affecting development.

learning disabilities

Focuses specifically on challenges in acquiring knowledge and skills.

FAQs

How can "developmental delays" be identified in children?

Healthcare professionals typically identify "developmental delays" through standardized assessments that evaluate a child's progress in various areas, such as motor skills, language, social skills, and cognitive abilities. Parents' observations are also a critical component of the evaluation process.

What factors can contribute to "developmental delays"?

Several factors can contribute to "developmental delays", including genetic conditions, premature birth, prenatal exposure to harmful substances, malnutrition, and environmental factors. In some cases, the cause may be unknown.

What is the difference between "developmental delays" and "developmental disability"?

"Developmental delays" refer to a temporary lag in development, where children may eventually catch up with their peers. "Developmental disability", on the other hand, is a more persistent and chronic condition that affects a child's development throughout their life.

What are some early intervention strategies for children with "developmental delays"?

Early intervention strategies for "developmental delays" may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and specialized educational programs. The specific interventions will depend on the individual child's needs and the areas of development affected.