health

The diagnosis of developmental disabilities is made at different points
before or after the child’s birth, depending on the specific disorder. Some
genetic disorders, like Down syndrome, can be diagnosed before the
baby is born. Metabolic disorders like phenylketonuria can be detected
by a blood test used to screen babies shortly after birth.
In other cases, developmental disabilities may be identified by the
baby’s doctor during periodic checkups. The doctor can observe how the
child interacts with its caregiver; can test his or her vision and hearing;
and see whether the child has attained specific developmental milestones.
Parents who have noticed that their child does not seem to be walking,
talking, or responding to them at the age at which these abilities usually
appear will often consult a specialist in child development for an evaluation
of the child. Some learning disabilities may not become evident until
after the child starts school and may be first noticed by a teacher.