Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing early indicators for timely intervention.

What Are Signs and Symptoms?

Signs and symptoms are indicators that provide clues about a child’s health, development, or well-being. Signs are objective, observable phenomena such as a rash or fever, while symptoms are subjective experiences reported by the child, like feeling tired or experiencing pain. Understanding and recognizing these indicators is crucial for parents as they often serve as the first hint that something might be amiss. Early identification of signs and symptoms can lead to prompt medical evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention, ultimately improving outcomes for the child. Parents should be observant and note any new or unusual signs and symptoms, as these can provide valuable information to healthcare providers.

Common Signs and Symptoms in Children

Children can exhibit a wide range of signs and symptoms as they grow and develop. Common signs include physical changes like unexpected weight loss, difficulty breathing, or skin rashes. Typical symptoms might involve behavioral changes such as increased irritability, difficulty sleeping, or sudden changes in appetite. Additionally, cognitive and emotional signs, such as difficulty concentrating, frequent outbursts, or unusual fears, can indicate underlying issues. It’s important to differentiate between normal developmental variations and signs that may suggest a concern. Keeping a record of when signs and symptoms first appeared, their frequency, and any associated triggers can help healthcare providers in making accurate assessments and recommendations.

When to Seek Professional Help

Parents should seek professional guidance when signs and symptoms persist or worsen, or if they cause significant concern. Indicators that warrant immediate medical attention include severe pain, difficulty breathing, high fever, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, and any sign of a serious allergic reaction. For more subtle or chronic issues, such as developmental delays, social withdrawal, or consistent academic difficulties, consulting a pediatrician or specialist can provide clarity and direction. Early intervention services, counseling, and specialized therapies are available to address a wide array of concerns, ensuring that children receive the support they need. Building a partnership with healthcare providers and staying informed about your child’s health and development will empower you to act swiftly and effectively when signs and symptoms arise.

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Articles about Signs and Symptoms

  • Signs & Symptoms

    Inflexible Adherence to Routines or Rituals

    Inflexible adherence to routines or rituals refers to a need to strictly adhere to repetitive routines or patterns of behavior. This definition applies to both verbal and nonverbal types of behavior. Individuals with an inflexibility adhered to routines or rituals are usually not able to handle even minor changes in their routines, find it very difficult to transition between activities or tasks, and insist on taking the same route everyday, or even insisting on eating the same food everyday. It can also include difficulties with communication and social skills.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Intellectual Disability

    One known as mental retardation, the measurement of intellectual disability is an IQ of below 70. The term should not be used to describe anyone below the age of 5 years old. Intellectual disability converts the intellectual ability and functioning of an individual as well as what is known as their adaptive behavior- the ability to handle everyday personal and social skills. Individuals with intellectual disabilities may take longer to learn certain skills, or may not manage to learn others. There are types of the feature- from mild to severe. It is one of the most common disabilities in the US, with over 6.5 million people currently diagnosed with intellectual disability.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Joint Hyperflexibility

    Joint hyperflexibility means increased flexibility and movement in the joints. The joints are considered to be very flexible, and they can make a very large range of movements. Children are often naturally more flexible and display hyperflexibility, with this flexibility waning and reducing over time. It is sometimes referred to as being double-jointed, and may cause pain in the movement of the joints.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Joint Hypermobility

    When a joint of the body is able to move beyond its normal or expected range of movement. Generally this movement is painless. It may also be defined as having very flexible joints. Symptoms may affect multiple parts of the body. Understanding which part of the body a symptom affects, can help us to better understand the potential underlying causes of a symptom, including a rare disease or genetic syndrome. Joints are a part of the musculoskeletal system of the body which also includes the bones of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissue. Joints are essentially where two or more bones meet to allow for movement. Symptoms affecting the joints can not for the most part be seen with the naked eye. Diagnosing a joint related symptom may involve different tests and assessments, both subjective and objective. Symptoms relating to the joints may affect the ability of an individual to function and move normally.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Joint Laxity

    It refers to joints that are looser than normal. This generally does not cause any pain but may lead to a higher risk for joint dislocation and other injuries as the joints are less stable. Symptoms may affect multiple parts of the body. Understanding which part of the body a symptom affects, can help us to better understand the potential underlying causes of a symptom, including a rare disease or genetic syndrome. Joints are a part of the musculoskeletal system of the body which also includes the bones of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissue. Joints are essentially where two or more bones meet to allow for movement. Symptoms affecting the joints can not for the most part be seen with the naked eye. Diagnosing a joint related symptom may involve different tests and assessments, both subjective and objective. Symptoms relating to the joints may affect the ability of an individual to function and move normally.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Lack of Peer Relationships

    A lack of peer relationships refers to when a child or individual lacks the emotional, social, behavioral and cognitive skills to build relationships with individuals their own age, or within the same social setting. Sometimes this is driven by a lack of interest from the individual affected in building relationships and a preference for playing alone. Other times, their limited social and communication skills make it difficult for them to communicate with others in a way they can understand. This can be particularly challenging for children amongst other children. A lack of peer relationships however can consequently make it harder for children and individuals to understand how to build and foster relationships

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Lack of Spontaneous Play

    A lack of spontaneous play generally refers to an individual’s inability to play spontaneously. They are not able to engage in free or open play. This generally means an inability to engage in free play, open-ended play, play without set structure and guidelines or rules, role play, imaginative play, loose parts play, or sensory play where the expectation is to play freely.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Language Impairment

    A language impairment affects an individual’s ability to use spoken or written language. It generally affects their comprehension and their ability to use language, whether spoken or written. What does language impairment look like? It might manifest itself as reduced or limited vocabulary, the use of basic sentence structures, the wrong usage of words related to their meanings, trouble expressing ideas and thoughts through language, and the use of incorrect grammar patterns and rules. To be classed as a language impairment, these language difficulties must be obviously and greatly below age level expectations for language knowledge and use.

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  • Signs & Symptoms

    Large Beaked Nose

    A large beaked nose is one that is obviously large, with a prominent nasal bridge. It is also sometimes called an aquiline nose. Generally the lower half of the nose will appear more prominent, with swelling or a large bulge.

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