Developmental disorders are one category of mental health problems. The category identifies children who have difficulty accomplishing early developmental tasks such as language, communication, socialization and motor skills. Treatment of developmental disorders usually includes medication and specialized training to assist the child in developing needed skills.

As the goal of treatment includes helping the child to maximize abilities while preventing as many new problems from occurring as possible, it becomes particularly important to diagnose any suspected developmental delay or disorder as soon as possible. Early and accurate diagnosis not only helps to identify a possible inherited component to the disorder - so that parents and other family members can become informed of potential risks - but also to better predict the outcome for the child. Assigning a more accurate diagnosis often helps to better anticipate and prevent, in some cases, problems that may arise.