Definition of regression in childhood

Written By Melanie Ridout

Working definition for developmental regression

Developmental regression refers to:

  1. skill(s) loss experienced during childhood lasting a minimum of 4 weeks, and

  2. occurring in at least 1 of 6 developmental domains (verbal communication, non-verbal communication, functional motor skills, cognition, social skills, and self-help skills).

Link to article

Gawade G, Andersson EP, Nielsen A, Williams K, Furley K. Consensus definition for developmental regression during childhood. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2026; 00: 1–8.

https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.70392

Melanie Ridout
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