The causes of Global Developmental Delay are attributed to genetic factors such as genetic abnormalities during the development of the brain and spinal cord. Other linked factors include:

Prenatal or perinatal causes:

• Exposure to teratogens or toxins (tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs)
• Prematurity
• Congenital infections
• Congenital hypothyroidism – normally picked up on newborn screening.
• Birth trauma
• Intracranial haemorrhage

Postnatal causes:

• Infection (meningitis, encephalitis)
• Cranial trauma

Environmental causes:

• Poor nutrition
• Family stress
• Child abuse or neglect