Which term describes a condition that applies to ages 0–8 and indicates a significant delay in development?

• A. Intellectual Disability
• B. ADHD
• C. Developmental Delay
• D. Learning Disability

Answer: (C)

Developmental delay is used when a young child isn’t reaching age-appropriate milestones in one or more areas—such as language, movement, thinking, or social skills—during the early years up to about age eight. This term describes a broad lag in development and signals that the child needs evaluation and possibly early intervention, without yet assigning a specific diagnosis. It fits ages 0–8 because it encompasses delays seen from birth through early elementary years and can apply to global or specific domain delays.

Others refer to more specific issues. An intellectual disability involves both lower overall functioning and challenges with adaptive skills, and it requires a more defined assessment of intelligence and daily living abilities. ADHD focuses on patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity rather than a general developmental lag. A learning disability describes difficulties with academic skills despite typical intelligence, usually identified when children start school. So, the broad term that best describes a significant developmental delay in early childhood is developmental delay.