AAN 2026: Social Determinants of Health, the Diagnostic Odyssey, and Genetic Testing for Global Developmental Delay/Intellectual Disability: A Qualitative Study.
WHY IT MATTERS
This research highlights that children from disadvantaged backgrounds face longer diagnostic journeys for developmental delays—meaning families may wait years longer to understand their child's condition and access support services.
Researchers studied how life circumstances like poverty, access to healthcare, and education affect children with developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. They also looked at how long it takes families to get a diagnosis and whether genetic testing helps. The study suggests that where you live and your resources matter a lot in getting answers for why a child has developmental challenges.
AAN 2026: Social Determinants of Health, the Diagnostic Odyssey, and Genetic Testing for Global Developmental Delay/Intellectual Disability: A Qualitative Study. Authors: Cole JJ, Killian E, Sellitto AD Journal: Research square Published: 2026/01/28 Congress focus: neurology, neurological rare disease, ALS, epilepsy