Developmental Delays

Free Symptom Checker
with Physician-supervised AI

Worried about your symptoms?

Start the Developmental Delays test with our free AI Symptom Checker.

This will help us personalize your assessment.

Shiba

By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Try one of these related symptoms.

Socially awkward

Developmental delay

Impulsive behavior

Bad grades

Behavioral issues

Cognitive delay

Difficulty walking

Hyperactive child

Speech problems

Learning difficulties

Delayed puberty female

Difficulty with fine motor skills

About the Symptom

It refers to a child who has not gained the developmental skills expected of him or her, compared to others of the same age.

Possible Causes

Generally, Developmental delays can be related to:

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

Reviewed By:

Unnati Patel, MD, MSc

Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)

Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.

Yoshinori Abe, MD

Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)

Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.

From our team of 50+ doctors

Content updated on Feb 6, 2025

Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy

Was this page helpful?

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.

Try Free Symptom Quiz

How Ubie Can Help You

With a free 3-min Developmental Delays quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.

This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:

  • Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.

  • Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.

  • History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.

Your symptoms

Input your symptoms

Our AI

Our AI checks your symptoms

Your report

You get your personalized report

Your personal report will tell you

✔  When to see a doctor

✔︎  What causes your symptoms

✔︎  Treatment information etc.

People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes

See full list

Find Similar Symptoms

Similar symptoms or complaints

Symptoms treated by the same specialty

FAQs

Q.

Is it the Autism Spectrum? Signs and Your Medical Next Steps

A.

Autism spectrum signs and medical next steps: look for persistent patterns in social communication difficulties, restricted or repetitive behaviors, and sensory differences; if concerned, ask your doctor for screening, referral to a specialist, and early intervention or therapies. There are several factors to consider, including age-specific signs, thresholds for concern, overlapping conditions, and urgent red flags; see the complete guidance below to choose the right next steps.

References:

* Hyman SL, Levy SE, Myers SM; COUNCIL ON CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES; SECTION ON DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics. 2020 Jan;145(1):e20193447. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-3447. Epub 2019 Dec 17. PMID: 31848240.

* Lord C, Elsabbagh M, Charman T, Baird G. Early identification in autism spectrum disorder: a review of the past 30 years. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2018 Mar;59(3):352-371. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12871. Epub 2017 Dec 26. PMID: 29280053.

* National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis. NICE guideline [NG226]. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2022 Dec 14. PMID: 36749722.

* Lai MC, Su CC, Ho YJ. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Intervention. J Clin Med. 2023 Apr 17;12(8):3017. doi: 10.3390/jcm12083017. PMID: 37108390; PMCID: PMC10141673.

* Kim YS, Leventhal BL. Autism spectrum disorders. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2019 Jul;32(4):287-293. doi: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000516. PMID: 31082987.

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

Is it Williams Syndrome? The Genetic Reality & Medically Approved Next Steps

A.

Williams syndrome is a rare genetic deletion on chromosome 7 that often leads to distinctive facial features, developmental delays with strong social and verbal tendencies, and heart or blood vessel narrowing such as supravalvular aortic stenosis. It can only be confirmed with genetic testing, and the medically recommended next steps are to see your doctor, request genetic and cardiology evaluations, and begin early therapies if delays are present, since cardiovascular issues can be serious. There are several factors to consider, so see the complete guidance below.

References:

* Pober BR. Williams-Beuren Syndrome. 2000 Oct 16 [Updated 2023 Jul 20]. In: Adam MP, Feldman GN, Mirzaa GK, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024. PMID: 20301399.

* Collins RT 2nd, Kaplan P, Somes G, Romesburg J, Eubanks EP, Pachter L, DelBello MP, Reiss A, Loker J, Mervis CB. Medical management of Williams syndrome. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2021 Sep;187(3):363-372. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31934. Epub 2021 Aug 17. PMID: 34403063.

* Menghini D, Addona F, Di Stazio F, Vicari S. Neurocognitive and Neurobehavioral Profile of Williams Syndrome: Evidence for an Uneven Cognitive Landscape. J Clin Med. 2023 Jan 28;12(3):1021. doi: 10.3390/jcm12031021. PMID: 36769415; PMCID: PMC9917027.

* Collins RT 2nd. Cardiovascular Health in Williams Syndrome. Curr Opin Cardiol. 2019 Sep;34(5):455-459. doi: 10.1097/HCO.0000000000000639. PMID: 31274712.

* Morris CA. Williams Syndrome: What Pediatricians Need to Know. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2017 Jul;47(7):191-197. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2017.06.002. Epub 2017 Jun 24. PMID: 28732688.

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

Worried About Delays? Fragile X Syndrome Signs & Medical Next Steps

A.

There are several factors to consider: ongoing delays in speech, learning, behavior, or social skills with poor eye contact, sensory sensitivities, repetitive movements, and sometimes subtle physical traits can suggest fragile X, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and a known genetic cause of autism. Next steps include documenting concerns and seeing a pediatrician to discuss an FMR1 blood test, developmental evaluation, and early therapy services, with urgent care for seizures or sudden regression; see below for important details that can affect which actions you take.

References:

* Loesch DZ, Kukuruzinska MA, Humenny Z. Fragile X syndrome: a review of the literature. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2018 Dec;30(6):797-802. doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000000693. PMID: 30045269.

* Kidd SA, Lachiewicz AM, Finucane B, Wittenberg DF, Barone B, Corrigan NL, de Vries BBA, Field M, Hessl D, Kooy RF, Miller RM, Simon-Cereijido G, Tassone F, Hagerman RJ. Current management of fragile X syndrome. J Med Genet. 2021 Nov;58(11):721-729. doi: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2020-107386. PMID: 34215918.

* Monaghan KG, Lemoine L, Scharff ML, De Witte M, El-Hattab AW, Kooy RF, Mefford HC, Redin C, Reardon R, Schaaf CP, Stover J, Tassone F, Working Group Members. Genetic testing for Fragile X Syndrome: an updated clinical practice guideline. Genet Med. 2023 Nov;25(11):100936. doi: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100936. PMID: 37639148.

* Hersh JH, Saul RA; American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Genetics. Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Fragile X Syndrome and Premutation Conditions. Genet Med. 2019 Jan;21(1):151-158. doi: 10.1038/s41436-018-0010-0. PMID: 29420658.

* Budimirovic DB, Pedapati EV, Berry-Kravis E, Tassone F, Hagerman RJ. Fragile X syndrome: neurodevelopmental challenges and treatment avenues. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2023 Apr 1;35(2):162-171. doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001229. PMID: 36979644.

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

Is it Williams Syndrome? The Reality & Medically Approved Next Steps

A.

Williams syndrome signs, diagnosis, and next steps: it is a rare genetic condition that can include developmental delays, distinctive facial features, a very social personality, and heart or blood vessel problems, and it is confirmed only by genetic testing after a medical evaluation, often with an echocardiogram to check for vessel narrowing. There are several factors to consider, and some signs overlap with other conditions. Medically approved next steps include seeing your pediatrician, asking about genetic testing and a heart evaluation, starting early intervention if delays are present, and seeking urgent care for chest pain, fainting, trouble breathing, or extreme fatigue; see the complete details below to understand key signs, look‑alike conditions, and how to navigate care.

References:

* Pettee C, Al-Khatib SM, El-Hattab AW. Williams syndrome: clinical features, diagnosis, and management. GeneReviews(®). 2020 Jul 16. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32669466/

* Martens MA, Hoeft F, Reiss AL. Williams syndrome: A comprehensive review of the phenotypic, genetic, and molecular features. J Clin Invest. 2018 Nov 1;128(11):4725-4734. doi: 10.1172/JCI124823. Epub 2018 Oct 18. PMID: 29997193; PMCID: PMC6205366. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29997193/

* Ng P, Mervis CB. Williams Syndrome: An Overview for the Pediatrician. Pediatr Ann. 2018 Aug 1;47(8):e323-e328. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20180724-01. PMID: 30104616; PMCID: PMC6119859. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30104616/

* Del-Moral-Murat G, Gámez-Rodríguez S, Galera-Martínez E, Valdés-Cañedo F, Cruz-Campos I, Sánchez-Medina T, Serrano-Delgado S, Sánchez-González M. Cardiovascular and renal abnormalities in Williams syndrome: A comprehensive review. World J Cardiol. 2021 Mar 26;13(3):121-131. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v13.i3.121. PMID: 33772242; PMCID: PMC8003649. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33772242/

* Mervis CB, Ng P. Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Profile of Williams Syndrome: Review and Practical Implications. Pediatr Ann. 2018 Aug 1;47(8):e318-e322. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20180724-02. PMID: 30104615; PMCID: PMC6119866. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30104615/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

Is it ASD? Why development feels stalled: Medically Approved Next Steps

A.

Stalled development can be a sign of ASD, especially when communication and social interaction lag or regress, but it can also stem from hearing loss, speech disorders, ADHD, learning differences, or medical issues; there are several factors to consider. See below to understand the common signs, what else can look similar, and when symptoms warrant urgent care. Medically approved next steps include documenting specific behaviors, scheduling a pediatric visit for developmental and autism-specific screening, arranging hearing and vision tests, starting Early Intervention without waiting for a diagnosis, and seeking a developmental specialist if screening suggests ASD. Early, evidence-based supports can improve outcomes, and the detailed guidance below can help you choose the right path for your child.

References:

* Myers SM, et al. Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics. 2020 Jan;145(1):e20193447. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-3447. PMID: 31843846.

* Hyman SL, et al. Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics. 2020 Jan;145(Suppl 1):S60-S74. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-0816D. PMID: 31897275.

* Sandbank M, et al. Early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Lancet Psychiatry. 2020 Jul;7(7):602-619. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30030-2. Epub 2020 May 29. PMID: 32479836.

* Lord C, et al. The Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in DSM-5: An Update. Curr Treat Options Psychiatry. 2020 Mar;7(1):1-13. doi: 10.1007/s40501-019-00192-z. Epub 2020 Jan 14. PMID: 32095315; PMCID: PMC7029587.

* Levy SE, et al. Diagnosis and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatr Rev. 2020 Mar;41(3):116-125. doi: 10.1542/pir.2019-0050. PMID: 32123019.

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

Is it Down Syndrome? Why Trisomy 21 Occurs and Your Medically Approved Next Steps

A.

Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, happens when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21, most often from random nondisjunction, with less common translocation or mosaic forms; risk rises with maternal age and signs can include characteristic facial features and developmental delays. Medically approved next steps are to confirm with diagnostic genetic testing after screening by working with your obstetrician or pediatrician and a genetic counselor, and to start early intervention if diagnosed; there are several factors to consider, including associated heart, thyroid, hearing, vision, and feeding or breathing issues that can be urgent, so see the complete guidance below.

References:

* Siciliano, J. C., & D'Armiento, F. (2021). Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Down Syndrome Pathogenesis. *Cells*, *10*(11), 3123.

* Greger, V., Witsch, M., Schlecht, S., & Benda, N. (2020). Prenatal screening and diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies: A review of the current landscape. *Genes*, *11*(11), 1278.

* Bull, M. J., & Committee on Genetics. (2022). Health Supervision for Children and Adolescents With Down Syndrome. *Pediatrics*, *150*(5), e2022059341.

* Antonarakis, S. E., Skotko, B. G., & Reeves, R. H. (2022). Down Syndrome: Clinical Review and Updates. *The New England Journal of Medicine*, *387*(14), 1310-1321.

* Maltby, C., Tanti, S. J., & Farrell, R. M. (2023). Communicating a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: an updated narrative review of approaches and their impact. *Human Reproduction Update*, *29*(5), 654-670.

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

Why is the Genetic Blueprint Unique? Down Syndrome & Medically Approved Next Steps

A.

There are several factors to consider. The genetic blueprint is unique in Down syndrome because an extra copy of chromosome 21 changes gene dosage from conception, shaping development and raising the likelihood of certain health conditions; it is not caused by anything a parent did. Medically approved next steps include confirming the diagnosis with a karyotype, scheduling heart, hearing, vision, and thyroid evaluations, and starting early intervention therapies. For key details on ongoing monitoring, education plans, urgent red flags, and the long-term outlook, see below.

References:

* Lek M, et al. The landscape of human genetic variation. Nature. 2016 Aug 18;536(7616):308-14.

* Antonarakis SE, et al. Down syndrome: from aetiology to therapeutic targets. Nat Rev Genet. 2020 Jan;21(1):15-31.

* Bull MJ; COUNCIL ON GENETICS. Health Supervision for Children and Adolescents With Down Syndrome. Pediatrics. 2022 Jul 1;150(1):e2022057010.

* Dierssen M, et al. Down Syndrome in the Age of Genomic Medicine: Research Opportunities. JAMA Neurol. 2021 Mar 1;78(3):263-265.

* Pinter G, et al. Pharmacological interventions in Down syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2022 Mar;37:25-41.

See more on Doctor's Note

Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide

Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.

Maxwell J. Nanes, DO

Maxwell J. Nanes, DO

Emergency Medicine

Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Waukesha Wisconsin, USA

Caroline M. Doan, DO

Caroline M. Doan, DO

Internal Medicine

Signify Health

Benjamin Kummer, MD

Benjamin Kummer, MD

Neurology, Clinical Informatics

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Charles Carlson, DO, MS

Charles Carlson, DO, MS

Psychiatry

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Dale Mueller, MD

Dale Mueller, MD

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Associates

Ravi P. Chokshi, MD

Ravi P. Chokshi, MD

Obstetrics and gynecology

Penn State Health

Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders

Newsweek 2024

“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”

Newsweek 2024

Google Play Best of 2023

“Best With AI”

Google Play Best of 2023

Digital Health Awards 2023

“Best in Class”

Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)

Which is the best Symptom Checker?

Which is the best Symptom Checker?

Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.

Link to full study:

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1

References