Definition
Children who are progressing at a slower rate as the other children and are out of the normal range of development. Milestones are not met at certain ages.
Types of developmental delays
- Language and speech
- Vision
- Movement – motor skills
- Social and emotional skills
- Thinking – cognitive skills
Language and speech delays are the most common developmental delays in any age, especially in toddlers.
Speech refers to verbal expression, forming words, and speaking. Language is a broader system of expressing and receiving information, such as being able to understand directions.
Symptoms of Language and Speech delays
By 3 to 4 months
- Does not respond to loud noises
- Does not babble
- Begins to babble but does not try to imitate sounds (by 4 months)
By 7 months
- Does not respond to sounds
By 1 year
- Does not use any single words (like “mama”)
By 2 years
- Cannot speak at least 15 words
- Does not use two-word phrases without repetition; can only imitate speech
- Does not use speech to communicate more than immediate needs
Symptoms of vision delays
By 3 months
- Does not follow moving objects with his or her eyes
- Does not notice hands (by 2 months)
- Has trouble moving one or both eyes in all directions
- Crosses eyes most of the time
By 6 months
- Has one or both eyes turning in or out all the time
- Experiences constant tearing, eye drainage, or sensitivity to light
- Does not follow near objects (1 foot away) or far objects (6 feet away) with both eyes
Symptoms of motor skill delays
By 3 to 4 months
- Does not reach for, grasp, or hold objects
- Does not support his or her head well
- Does not bring objects to his or her mouth (by 4 months)
- Does not push down with legs when his or her feet are placed on a firm surface (by 4 months)
By 7 months
- Has stiff and tight or very floppy muscles
- Flops his or her head when pulled into a sitting position
- Reaches with one hand only or does not actively reach for objects
- Has trouble getting objects to his or her mouth
- Doesn’t roll over in either direction (by 5 months)
- Cannot sit up without help (by 6 months)
- Does not bear weight on his or her legs when you pull him or her up to a standing position
By 1 year
- Does not crawl
- Drags one side of his or her body while crawling
- Cannot stand when supported
By 2 years
- Cannot walk (by 18 months)
- Does not develop a heel-to-toe walking pattern or walks only on toes
- Cannot push a wheeled toy
Symptoms for social or emotional delays
By 3 months
- Does not smile at people
- Does not pay attention to new faces, or seems frightened by them
By 7 months
- Refuses to cuddle
- Shows no affection for parents or caregivers
- Shows no enjoyment around people
- Cannot be comforted at night (after 5 months)
- Does not smile without prompting (by 5 months)
- Does not laugh or squeal (by 6 months)
- Shows no interest in games of peek-a-boo (by 8 months)
By 1 year
- Shows no back-and-forth gestures, such as waving, reaching, or pointing
- Symptoms of cognitive delays
By 1 year
- Does not search for objects that are hidden while he or she watches
- Does not use gestures, such as waving
- Does not point to objects or pictures
By 2 years
- Does not know the function of common objects, such as a hairbrush, telephone, or spoon
- Does not follow simple instructions
- Does not imitate actions or words
Treatment
Language and speech delays
- Communicate more with your child—talk, sing, and encourage repetition
- Read daily to your child
- Reinforce speech and language throughout the day
- Get treatment for middle ear infections
Vision delay
- Glasses or contacts
- Special glasses
- Surgery
Motor skill delays
- Taking certain steps at home to encourage physical activity
- Physical therapy or occupational therapy
Social and emotional delays
- No cure for social and emotional delays
- Special types of behavioral and skill-oriented therapy
- Medication
- Cognitive delays
- Early intervention and treatment is most effective
- Educational intervention
- Educators and therapists may also recommend specific steps you can take at home
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