A developmental delay occurs when a toddler or child does not meet developmental milestones as expected. Developmental delays are common among young children, especially toddler. These delays may be physical, such as impaired development of balance, walking or gross motor skills. They may also be cognitive, causing problems such as speech delays, attention difficulties or learning disorders, according to MayoClinic.com. Although the causes of developmental delays can be difficult to pinpoint, there are several factors that are thought to contribute to these delays.
Genetic Abnormalities
Genetic abnormalities are common causes of developmental delays, according to the University of Michigan Health System website. Missing or mutated genes produce genetic syndromes, which can have a variety of physical and cognitive symptoms. Down Syndrome is one of the most prevalent genetic causes of developmental delays--about one out of every 660 children are born with this syndrome. Children with Down Syndrome typically exhibit slow physical growth, impaired learning development and shorter attention spans than other children. Another genetic abnormality that affects development is Alagille's Syndrome, which is characterized by heart and liver problems, as well as difficulties with speech, learning and gross motor skills.
Prenatal and Perinatal Problems
Prenatal factors, which occur before birth, and perinatal complications, which occur during the birth process, may also contribute to developmental delays, according to the Education website. Prenatal factors such as viral infections and toxemia are thought to contribute to physical and cognitive developmental delays. Perinatal factors, such as cerebral palsy, a restriction of oxygen during birth, as well as low birth weight and premature birth, may also cause delays.
Postnatal Factors
According to the Education website, occurrences after birth may contribute to cognitive and emotional delays. Maternal deprivation, which is characterized by a mother's unresponsiveness to a child's needs, is thought to be one of the most common postnatal contributors to developmental delays. Socioeconomic factors may also come into play--mothers with low socioeconomic environments may lack the training and skills necessary to foster proper child development, notes the Education website.
