SummaryObjective To investigate the incidence of birth intervention/foetal distress in children with developmental delay syndromes (attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Tourette's syndrome of childhood, autistic spectrum disorders).Methodology A population of 100 children aged 4-15 years and diagnosed with developmental delay syndrome(s) were investigated using a parental questionnaire to determine whether they had suffered any birth interventions or distress. These results were compared with an age- and gender-matched control group.Results On the basis of this relatively small study, significant risk of development delay syndrome(s) occurred with both foetal distress (p < 0.001) and Ventouse assisted delivery (p < 0.01).