Assessment and management of the developmentally delayed infant in primary care.

Developmental delay is common, and early identification is important. This article discusses the nurse practitioner's role in the assessment and management of the developmentally delayed infant. Assessment procedures and tools are described. Current controversies regarding early assessment and intervention are discussed. Research on early intervention programs for both the environmentally deprived and the biologically impaired infant is reviewed, and guidelines for the evaluation of these programs are given. Management issues and the nurse practitioner's role in the ongoing care of these infants are discussed.