K2 · Delayed development
Actual Child and teen
Definition
The child may be slower in movement, speech, or social skills than expected.- Prematurity
- illness
- neglect
- genetic conditions
- Late sitting, walking, or speech
- poor play
📋 Scenario
A two-year-old does not say any words.
Subjective (S): (Parent) "She doesn't say words yet."
Objective (O): Age 2; no words; limited play; passes hearing screen.
Assessment tools for this scenario: CP-CHILD Child & Teen Check
Validated scales to consider: PEWS, FLACC
**CarePath diagnosis:** Delayed development related to an unknown cause under assessment (hearing screen passed), as evidenced by no words at age 2 and limited play.
**Interventions and rationale**
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Screen development. | Screening with a standard tool shows how far her skills are from expected and helps decide how urgent further help is. |
| Encourage stimulation. | Talking, reading, singing and play give the brain the input it needs to build language, and early stimulation can improve progress. |
| Refer for therapy. | Therapy from a speech or developmental specialist gives targeted help that parents alone cannot provide, and early help works best. |
| Teach parents. | Parents spend the most time with her, so teaching them activities lets practice continue every day at home. |
**Expected outcomes**
- Receives referral and therapy.
- Uses new words or signs within 3 months.
- Parents practice activities.
**Linking the data to the diagnosis**
The child is two years old, says no words, and plays very little, although she passes the hearing screen. Because the delay can already be seen, the statement is actual. The cause is not yet known, so the nurse screens development and refers early. A hearing problem has been ruled out, which narrows the search. The plan aims for a referral and therapy, new words or signs within 3 months, and parents who can practice stimulation activities at home.
CarePath diagnosis
Delayed development related to an unknown cause under assessment (hearing screen passed), as evidenced by no words at age 2 and limited play.
Interventions and rationale
Listed in priority order.
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| 1. Screen development. | Screening with a standard tool shows how far her skills are from expected and helps decide how urgent further help is. |
| 2. Encourage stimulation. | Talking, reading, singing and play give the brain the input it needs to build language, and early stimulation can improve progress. |
| 3. Refer for therapy. | Therapy from a speech or developmental specialist gives targeted help that parents alone cannot provide, and early help works best. |
| 4. Teach parents. | Parents spend the most time with her, so teaching them activities lets practice continue every day at home. |
Expected outcomes
- Receives referral and therapy.
- Uses new words or signs within 3 months.
- Parents practice activities.
Linking the data to the diagnosis
The child is two years old, says no words, and plays very little, although she passes the hearing screen. Because the delay can already be seen, the statement is actual. The cause is not yet known, so the nurse screens development and refers early. A hearing problem has been ruled out, which narrows the search. The plan aims for a referral and therapy, new words or signs within 3 months, and parents who can practice stimulation activities at home.