What is a key indicator of developmental delay in Prader-Willi Syndrome?

A key indicator of developmental delay in Prader-Willi Syndrome is delayed walking. In children with this condition, motor development can be significantly affected, leading to delays in milestones such as sitting, crawling, and walking. Prader-Willi Syndrome is characterized by hypotonia (reduced muscle tone) at birth, which can hinder a child's ability to reach these physical developmental milestones at the typical time.

As these children grow, you may observe that while they may eventually achieve walking, it often occurs later than what is considered usual for their age group. This delay is a direct reflection of the underlying muscular and neurological challenges faced by children with this syndrome, highlighting the need for targeted therapies to support their development.

In contrast, early crawling or advanced speech would not typically be associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome, as these children often experience delayed language development and may exhibit challenges in gross motor skills rather than excelling in them. Additionally, rapid weight gain, while a significant concern in Prader-Willi Syndrome due to insatiable appetite and slow metabolism, is not an indicator of developmental delay, but rather a complication associated with the condition.