6 Signs Your Child May Have Be Developmentally Delayed

From their first smile to their first step, your child's milestones are a celebration of their growth and development. When these milestones are not reached in the expected time frame, you're likely to get worried, which is understandable. 

While each child is unique and develops at their own pace, significant delays in meeting milestones can sometimes signify underlying issues. Recognizing the signs of developmental delays early is essential, as prompt intervention can make all the difference.

If you suspect your child is facing developmental challenges,  Dr. Henry Hasson is the best pediatric neurologist to seek specialized care and treatment from in Brooklyn, New York.

In this article, he outlines 6 signs of developmental delays in your child and what you should do about them. 

Speech and language skills delays

One of the most apparent signs of developmental delay in children is a lag in speech and language skills. While it's common for children to babble as infants, most children start forming words around their first birthday. If your child isn't attempting to speak or communicate through gestures by 18 months, it could indicate a developmental delay.

If you notice these signs, encourage verbal interaction through reading, songs, and conversations. Also, consult Dr. Hasson for a professional assessment, which could lead to a speech therapy referral.

Motor skills delays

Children typically sit up unassisted by 6 months, crawl around 9, and take their first steps by 12-15 months. However, if your child has yet to begin crawling by 12 months or walking by 18 months, it's essential to consult Dr. Hasson.

To encourage motor development, provide a safe space in which your child can move and explore toys like building blocks can stimulate hand-eye coordination. 

Social and emotional delays

Usually, babies start to smile socially around 2-3 months. By 6 months, they should show an interest in others and respond to emotional cues. Atypical social development includes avoiding eye contact, not smiling, or not responding to facial expressions or feelings by 9 months.

Play interactive games like peek-a-boo to stimulate social and emotional skills and expose your child to social settings. You should still consult Dr. Hasson for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Cognitive delays

By the end of the first year, most children understand the basic concept of cause and effect, can find hidden objects, and can even start solving simple problems.

However, if your child is not curious about their environment, struggles with basic tasks, or does not respond to interactive games, these could be areas for concern.

Interactive learning tools and sensory play can boost cognitive skills. Again, consult Dr. Hasson for a detailed cognitive assessment.

Difficulty with self-care tasks

Children generally begin to eat with some assistance by the 1-year mark and can mainly feed themselves by the time they turn 2.

If your child struggles with holding cutlery, resists potty training, or can’t undress by age 3, these could be signs of a developmental delay. Regular routines and visual cues can help your child learn these self-care tasks. 

Behavioral signs

Children typically develop the ability to share and take turns by age 3 and can usually adapt to new environments relatively quickly.

Frequent tantrums, aggressive behavior, or an inability to adapt to new situations can all be warning signs of a developmental issue.

Positive reinforcement and setting clear boundaries can help with behavior management. Dr. Hasson may also recommend a behavioral assessment.

Parenting has its ups and downs. When it comes to your child’s health and well-being, identifying the signs of developmental delays early can be instrumental in providing effective treatment. 

Dr. Hasson’s expertise ensures your child receives the best evaluation and treatment options. Book an appointment online with him today or call 718-785-9828.