Parenting is an enriching yet challenging journey. Full of moments of joy and uncertainty. As parents, we want the best for our children and strive to nurture their development in every way. But, there are times when certain behaviors. Delays in development may leave us questioning whether it’s time to seek professional help. While balancing our responsibilities, from nurturing our children to unwinding with hobbies like Dragon Slots, it is important to keep the well-being of our kids in mind. Knowing when to consult a specialist during your child’s early years can make all the difference in their growth and future success.
Developmental Milestones
Children grow at their own rate, but there are general times when children meet certain developmental milestones. These developmental milestones involve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. It is crucial to recognize whether your child is meeting these milestones because significant delays in one or more areas may say a need for further evaluation.
General Guidelines:
Mumbling and making cooing sounds, responding to one’s name, and being curious about the environment, by 12 months. By 2 years, many children begin to put sentences together, follow simple directions, and engage in pretend play. By 3 years, children are able to talk better, play with other children, and understand some basic concepts such as colors and shapes.
If your child does not reach these milestones, it is well worth discussing your concerns with a pediatrician or specialist.
Signs Your Child May Need a Specialist
Although some differences in children’s development are normal, there are some warning signs that professional help may be needed.
Following are some common areas in which parents may notice potential problems:
1. Speech and Language Delays
Few words and no sentences by age 2-3.
Difficulty understanding or following simple directions.
Lack of interest in interacting with people.
2. Social and Emotional Issues
Not able to establish eye contact and interact appropriately with others.
Not able to control emotions. Throws frequent heavy tantrums.
Shows signs of anxiety or retreats from social interactions.
3. Delays in Motor Skills
By the age expected, is unable to sit up, crawl, and walk.
Unable to hold crayons or utensils at age 3.
Clumsy approaches and uncoordinated movements.
4. Behavioral Issues
Very defiant or aggressive.
Cannot concentrate or sit for age-appropriate times.
Repetitive activities or odd obsessions with particular objects or rituals.
5. Learning and Cognitive Problems
Inability to perform simple problem-solving activities or comprehend simple ideas.
Not interested in playing or exploring with toys in a typical way.
Evidence of memory or attention problems.
When to Act: Trust Your Instincts
Parents are best at knowing their children. If something seems amiss or doesn’t jell with what you think it is supposed to be, it’s worth advice. The sooner the intervention is implemented, the better the results will be.
Some issues can be caught early by the specialist and develop a customized set of interventions focused on your child’s specific needs.
Specialists You May Want to Consider
Following are the various professionals who can help in assessing and supporting your child, depending on the area of concern:
Pediatrician: The initial contact for any developmental concerns. They refer you to specialists if needed.
Speech Therapist: Helps improve speech, language, and communication.
Occupational Therapist: Helps children develop fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily life skills.
Child Psychologist or Psychiatrist: Helps with emotional, social, or behavioral problems.
Developmental Pediatrician: These specialists diagnose and manage developmental disorders. How Specialists Can Help: After you see a specialist, they can provide testing to identify specific problems and offer recommendations for interventions. They may include the following:
Therapy programs tailored to your child’s needs.
Parental guidance to encourage development at home.
Referral to support groups and other resources.
Benefits of Early Treatment Early intervention to address a child’s possible problem has several benefits:
Improved Development: Targeted therapies can help children catch up in areas where they are lagging behind.
Bob Duncan is the lead writer and partner on ConversationsWithBianca.com. A passionate parent, he’s always excited to dive into the conversation about anything from parenting, food & drink, travel, to gifts & more!