Spotting & Supporting Developmental Delays in Children
Every child grows at their own pace. However, significant lags in speech, motor, or social skills could indicate developmental delays. Timely intervention can bridge the gap and promote healthy progress.
What are Developmental Delays?
Developmental delays refer to children not reaching developmental milestones at the expected time in one or more areas – motor skills, speech/language, cognitive, or social-emotional skills.
Causes
- Genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome)
- Premature birth
- Neurological disorders
- Environmental deprivation
Common Symptoms
- Not sitting/walking/talking at expected age
- Difficulty interacting or playing with others
- Trouble understanding simple instructions
- Poor fine/gross motor coordination
Diagnosis
- Developmental screening tools
- Pediatric neurological evaluation
- Family and birth history analysis
Treatment & Management
- Early intervention programs
- Physiotherapy and speech therapy
- Special education support
- Regular milestone monitoring
FAQs
Do all delays mean a disability?
Not always. Some children catch up with support and intervention.
How early can delays be identified?
Often as early as 6 months, especially in physical or speech domains.