Parenthood is a beautiful journey filled with joy, milestones, and the excitement of seeing your child grow and learn. As parents, it's natural to be eager to witness your little one reaching developmental milestones. While every child develops at their own pace, it's important to stay aware of potential warning signs of a developmental delay. In this article, we'll explore some common red flags that may indicate a developmental delay in children. Remember, early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in supporting your child's growth and ensuring their overall well-being. Before we dive in to understand the warning signs, let’s understand what do we mean by delays in developmental milestones.
What do we mean by developmental delays?
Developmental delays refer to the persistent failure of a child to attain age-appropriate skills and milestones within the expected timeframe across various domains of development. These domains encompass physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional areas. Developmental delays can occur due to a range of factors, including genetic or biological influences, environmental factors, or underlying medical conditions.
1 Month:
Limited or no response to loud sounds or voices.
Lack of visual tracking or inability to follow objects with their eyes.
Limited movement of limbs, such as minimal arm or leg movements.
3 Months:
Inability to hold their head steady when supported.
Lack of smiles or limited facial expressions in response to stimuli.
Minimal or no attempts at reaching for objects or bringing hands together.
6 Months:
Inability to support their own head while in a supported sitting position.
Lack of rolling over from back to tummy or tummy to back.
No babbling sounds or limited vocalizations.
9 Months:
Difficulty sitting without support or inability to sit up independently.
Lack of attempts to crawl or scoot.
Minimal or no attempts at grasping objects or transferring them between hands.
12 Months:
Inability to pull themselves up to stand or walk with support.
No attempts at imitating simple gestures or sounds.
Limited or no attempts at using single words or gestures to communicate.
Not attempting to stand or walk with support.
15 Months:
Inability to walk independently or take a few steps unassisted.
No attempts at using simple words or phrases.
Difficulty with basic motor skills, such as stacking blocks or using a spoon.
18 Months:
Lack of using at least 10 words consistently.
Inability to follow simple instructions or understand basic commands.
Limited or no attempts at pretend play or imitating others.
24 Months:
Not combining words to form short phrases or sentences.
Difficulty with basic motor skills, such as kicking a ball or climbing stairs.
Lack of pointing to objects or pictures when asked to identify them.
When do I approach a doctor for my child’s developmental delays?
As parents, it can be concerning if you notice that your child is not meeting developmental milestones within the expected timeframe. While every child develops at their own pace, it is important to be aware of when to approach a doctor for your child's developmental delay.
If you observe significant delays or a lack of progress in multiple areas of development, it is advisable to consult with your child's paediatrician. This is especially true if your child is not reaching key milestones related to motor skills, speech and language, social interaction, or cognitive abilities. Trust your parental instincts and seek medical advice if you have concerns about your child's development. They will be able to guide you better with appropriate parenting class. Additionally, if you notice any regression or loss of previously acquired skills, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Sudden changes in behaviour, limited eye contact, difficulty with communication, or persistent difficulties in performing age-appropriate activities should also be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Many parents have faced similar concerns and sought help with parenting tips for their children's developmental delays. By addressing the issue proactively, you are taking an important step towards ensuring your child's optimal growth and development. Trust your instincts as a parent, reach out to healthcare professionals, and work together to support your child in reaching their full potential.