Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition present at birth characterized by an underactive thyroid, affecting 1 in 2000 to 4000 live births, and can lead to developmental delays if not treated early. Symptoms include poor feeding and lethargy, and diagnosis is made through newborn screening tests. The standard treatment is daily administration of synthetic thyroid hormone, levothyroxine, with early intervention being crucial for normal growth and cognitive development.