10 Signs Your Child May Have a Developmental Delay

From their first smile to their first steps, as parents, we excitedly await every milestone our children accomplish. Sometimes a child’s development may follow a different path, and they might not meet these benchmarks within the anticipated period. This is what developmental delays look like. 

What is Developmental Delay? 

A developmental delay is a condition where a child does not reach certain developmental milestones at the expected age range in the areas of physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, or emotional development.

Although every child grows at their own pace, knowing the early signs of developmental delay will help you support your child. 

With developmental delays, early intervention is vital. Early intervention can provide your child with the tools and therapies they need to help them flourish. 

How then can you find out whether your child is behind developmentally? Let’s discuss some of the typical signs of developmental delay. 

Physical Skills Delays

• Gross motor skills: 

Does your child have trouble sitting up, rolling over, crawling, or walking? These are all vital gross motor skills that grow with time. Your child may have a developmental delay if they are behind their siblings or classmates in these areas.

• Fine motor skills: 

Fine motor abilities are those involving the muscles in the hands and fingers to perform precise movements. Problems gripping items, using utensils, tying shoes, or manipulating toys could point to a delay in this area.

Speech and Language Delays

• Limited vocabulary: 

Does your child’s vocabulary for their age seem smaller than expected? Are they struggling to put simple phrases together or combine words?

• Understanding simple directions

Does your child find it difficult to grasp simple directions or basic ideas?

• Difficulties in saying words

Does your child have difficulty clearly articulating words?

Cognitive Difficulties

• Difficulties in solving problems: 

Does your child find basic problems or puzzles challenging?

• Lack of curiosity:

Does your child not exhibit much desire to discover their environment or learning new things?

• Difficulties following routines:

Does your child seem to struggle with following routines or recalling events?

Social and Emotional Difficulties

• Lack of social interaction: 

Does your child show a lack of interest in interacting with others or not show interest in playing with other kids?

• Emotional difficulties: 

Does your child struggle to regulate their emotions or communicate their emotions effectively?

• Making eye contact

Does your child avoid eye contact with you or others?

Daily Activities Difficulties

• Problems with daily activities: 

Does your child have difficulties dressing, eating, or using the toilet?

These are a few of the possible indicators of developmental delay. If you have any questions about your child’s development, you should see your pediatrician and/or a pediatric occupational, physical, or speech-language therapist for an assessment.

Here are some further pointers for parents:

• Trust your instincts. See a doctor or pediatric rehabilitation therapist if you believe something is not quite right.
• Track your child’s development: Track your child’s development and any concerns you might have.
• Don’t compare your child with others. Every young child grows at their own pace.
• Early action is important. The sooner you spot any possible delays and address your concerns, the better it is for your child’s future development.