Neurodevelopmental delay: Case definition & guidelines for data collection, analysis, and presentation of immunization safety data

[...]many studies reporting on rates of NDD include a large age range or other neurodevelopmental and medical disorders and sensory and motor impairments, which are beyond the scope of this paper and our definition of NDD, making age and domain specific information more difficult to obtain [34]. [...]the workgroup members reviewed 3 case definitions (i.e., ICD-10, ICD-11, DSM-5) in addition to considering common definitions used in research.1.2.1 NDD following maternal immunization In order to identify any reported potential association of maternal immunization with infant neurodevelopmental delay (NDD), separate literature searches were performed using Medline, PubMed, the Cochrane libraries, and Embase.com. [...]as previously stated, developmental skill attainment can be variable, such that delays may spontaneously resolve, remit following intervention, or worsen as environmental demands increase and a child fails to acquire the necessary skills to meet these demands [134–137].1.3.4 Influence of treatment on fulfillment of case definition The Working Group decided against using “treatment” or “treatment response” towards fulfillment of the NDD case definition. A domain-specific specialist could also meet gold standard criteria if the delay is identified within that single domain. [...]a speech-language therapist with appropriate training/experience in children aged 0–5 would meet gold standard criteria for diagnosing NDD impacting language, while a physical or occupational therapist with appropriate experience could meet such criteria for diagnosing a NDD impacting motor skills.