TY - JOUR T1 - Fifteen-minute consultation: A practical approach to developmental regression in children JF - Archives of disease in childhood - Education & practice edition JO - Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed SP - 173 LP - 177 DO - 10.1136/archdischild-2017-313792 VL - 104 IS - 4 AU - Thomas Smith AU - Dipak Ram Y1 - 2019/08/01 UR - http://ep.bmj.com/content/104/4/173.abstract N2 - Developmental regression is an important red flag in any child’s developmental performance and should be recognised promptly. It is the loss of previously acquired skills and can affect any sphere of childhood development. Presentation and underlying causes are heterogeneous in nature, in turn presenting many clinical challenges. While broad, the causes of regression can be categorised based on clinical findings, so that investigation and management options can be tailored appropriately. It is extremely important to try and make a definitive diagnosis if possible. This allows appropriate initiation of treatment for potentially reversible causes and for specific therapies, which may alter disease progression and improve quality of life in some cases. This article outlines a systematic approach to the evaluation of a child with suspected regression, covering the nature of presentation, key differential diagnoses, first-line investigations and management. ER -