As parents, we would want our children to grow and develop normally. Though every child develops at his or her own pace, knowing the expected timelines for developmental milestones can help you identify whether there is a delay. Recognizing these signs early allows you to seek professional help and provide the necessary support for your child’s development. Let us discuss when to seek help by understanding delays in key developmental milestones from infancy through early childhood.
Recognizing Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones are specific skills or behaviors most children can do at a certain age. These categories include physical-gross and fine motor skills; cognitive; social-emotional; and language. For a parent to be able to monitor the right development of a child, the parent needs to know these developmental milestones.
Milestones to Look Out for:
- Physical Development: Roll over, sitting, crawling, walking, jumping
- Cognitive Development: Following things with eyes, solving simple problems, identifying objects and people
- Social/Emotional Development: Responding to their name, showing affection, playing with others
- Language Development: Babbling, saying their first words, short sentences
Early Signs of Developmental Delays
While everyone develops differently, some signs can point to a delay, which needs further evaluation. Here are some early signs across different age groups:
Infants (0-12 Months):
- Not responding to loud noises or failing to turn towards sounds by 6 months
- Failure to lift their head or push up on their arms by 3-4 months
- No babbling or cooing by 9 months
- Failure to sit up without support by 9 months or failure to crawl by 12 months
Toddlers (1-3 Years):
- Not walking by 18 months
- No pretend play or limited play by age 2
- Difficulty with following simple commands at 2 years
- Less than 15 words vocabulary at 18 months and no combining of words by 2 years
- Not interested in interactive games such as peek-a-boo or does not point to things by 18 months
Preschoolers (3-5 Years):
- Not able to learn how to use utensils, crayons, or put on their clothes by age 3
- Can’t form simple sentences by age 3-4
- Limited interest in playing with peers by age 4
- Failure to recognize colors, shapes, or numbers by age 5
- Inability to follow simple instructions or focus on tasks by age 5
When to Seek Professional Help
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to see a pediatrician, child psychologist, or an early intervention specialist. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s development.
Steps to Take:
Initial Consultation: Schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to discuss your concerns. They can perform a developmental screening and recommend further evaluations if needed.
Specialist Referrals: If required, your pediatrician will refer you to specialists, including neurologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and developmental pediatricians.
Early Intervention Programs: Enroll your child in early intervention programs, where support and therapies can be customized for them. The early intervention programs work to enable children with delays in specific areas to catch up with the rest.
Support Your Child’s Development
While seeking professional help is more than guaranteed, so is parental support. Here are some ways you can help:
Engage Actively: Quality time in playing, reading, and talking with your child will stimulate their cognitive, language, and social skills.
Create a Stimulating Environment: Provide a wide array of age-appropriate toys, books, and activities to encourage exploration and learning.
Establish Routines: Routine provides a sense of security for children and gives them an idea of what to expect, thus enhancing their ability to learn and adapt.
Celebrate Small Victories: Recognize and celebrate your child’s small achievements, which will boost his confidence and motivation.
For parents concerned about developmental delays, FDNA’s Child Development Checker app offers a convenient way to assess your child’s development at home. Powered by advanced and secure AI, the app evaluates your child’s genetic and developmental health concerns from home. Many developmental delays may be linked to genetic factors and early diagnosis and intervention are essential. After completing the assessment, parents receive a free report that highlights potential areas of concern and have the option to connect with healthcare professionals for further evaluation if needed and a no-cost genetic test for eligible children. While AI tools can streamline and accelerate the diagnostic process, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and personalized guidance.
