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Recognizing Developmental Delays In Children And The Need For Early Intervention

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For a child with developmental delays, getting the right intervention at an early age is crucial. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to recognize these developmental delays, especially in babies and toddlers. Knowing what signs to look for and understanding how early intervention can help is important for all parents to know.

Physical delays 

All pediatric physicians have guidelines they follow to determine the age a baby should be able to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk. These guidelines can help your doctor watch for delays in your child's development while also allowing room for each child's individual rate of development. If your physician determines your baby has delays, early intervention can be instituted to help find out why your baby is delayed and what programs are available to help.

Communication delays

Babies begin to communicate at a young age by making eye contact with people, babbling, cooing, smiling, and laughing. If your young baby does not begin to show these signs of communication in the early months of life, it can be a sign something is amiss. A young child who does not say a few words or begin to make small sentences in the first year of life should be evaluated for a developmental delay.

Cognitive delays

Young toddlers should be able to follow simple directions. If your child has difficulty understanding simple commands or proper sequencing of a daily routine, it may be a sign your child should be evaluated. While all toddlers show defiance at times when it comes to following directions, a child who appears not to understand directions at all should be a red flag that early intervention is needed.

Self-help delays

Young toddlers often enjoy dressing themselves, brushing their teeth, and getting their own snacks or drinks from the refrigerator. They love to exhibit their independence at a young age. If your child struggles with self-care or seems to show little interest in daily self-care tasks it is best to have them evaluated for a developmental delay.

Having a child with developmental delays can be worrisome, as you want to make sure your child has every opportunity to get a solid education and lead a normal life. Getting ahead of developmental delays can help kids get the treatment they need to thrive in the future. Having an understanding of what developmental delays look like and the treatment available will help put your mind at ease.


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