What indicates a high probability of a developmental disability in a child under 5 years old?

Experiencing substantial developmental delay without services is a strong indicator of a high probability of a developmental disability in a child under 5 years old because early intervention is crucial for healthy development. When a child demonstrates significant delays in key developmental areas such as cognitive, social-emotional, language, or motor skills and does not receive the necessary services, it may suggest an underlying developmental disability. Children who do not have access to supportive services may struggle to catch up with their peers, leading to long-term challenges in their development.

In contrast, having a caretaking parent does not inherently indicate a developmental disability, as nurturing environments typically promote positive development. A physical impairment can contribute to developmental challenges but does not necessarily indicate a developmental disability on its own; many children with physical impairments do not have developmental delays. Exceeding normal growth milestones is usually a positive sign of development, indicating that the child is growing and developing appropriately, rather than suggesting a developmental disability.