Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles have found that delayed motor development and low muscle tone are often indicative of genetic disorders in children. The study is featured on the UCLA Health website. Researchers analyzed the medical records of 316 patients who were treated at the UCLA Specialty Clinic between 2014 and 2019. Scientists compared the clinical data of children with a confirmed genetic diagnosis with individuals without such disorders. The results showed that 75% of the children with motor developmental delays had a genetic diagnosis. Among children who did not have motor problems, low muscle tone and late development of the ability to walk also indicated possible genetic abnormalities. The authors of the paper note that early detection of genetic factors contributes to better control of comorbidities such as congenital heart defects and predisposition to epilepsy. More importantly, it opens the door to initiating targeted therapies if they are available for a specific genetic disorder. The researchers hope that the findings will provide a basis for evidence-based recommendations for genetic testing in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.