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Children with developmental delay develop more slowly than their peers in one or more developmental domains. This article discusses how to recognize developmental delay and key considerations for history taking, physical examination, and developmental assessment. The differential diagnosis is extensive; in addition to genetic, neurological and metabolic causes, developmental delay can result from acquired biological or social factors. The updated Dutch guideline ‘Etiology of Developmental Delay and/or Intellectual Disability’ (2025) outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Children with developmental delay benefit from multidisciplinary therapy and special-needs education. The article also highlights the roles of various specialties within the care process.

Conflict of interest and financial support: ICMJE forms provided by the authors are available online along with the full text of this article.