What Happens If My Child Has a Developmental Delay?
Child development involves the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth that children
undergo from birth through early adulthood. While each child develops at their own pace, some may
experience delays in reaching milestones. Understanding developmental delays and knowing when to
seek help is crucial for supporting your child's growth. If your child has a developmental delay, they haven’t gained the skills or reached the milestones that
experts expect children their age to have. Most developmental delays will resolve on their own over
time. With early intervention services, your child should be able to catch up to their peers and reach
their full potential.
What is Developmental Delay?
A developmental delay is when your child is slow to reach one or more developmental milestones
compared to their peers. Developmental milestones include skills such as:
Smiling for the first time.
Rolling over.
Pulling up to stand.
Waving “bye-bye.”
Taking a first step
Speaking a first word such as “dada.”
Children reach milestones in playing, learning, speaking, behaving and moving. They develop and
reach these milestones at different rates. There’s no strict timetable. So if your child is a little behind,
that doesn’t mean they have a developmental delay. A developmental delay means your child is
continually behind in developing skills expected by a certain age.
Types of Developmental Delays
Speech and Language Skills: A child with speech and language delays may have difficulty
speaking words or understanding what others say. Not babbling by 12 months, not speaking
simple words by 18 months, or having trouble understanding language.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills: These skills include the ability to coordinate small (fine) and
large (gross) muscles. A child with a fine motor delay may have trouble holding an object in
their hands or have trouble with coloring and writing. A child with a gross motor delay may
have difficulty rolling over, sitting up or walking at the expected ages.
Cognitive (Thinking) Skills: Include thinking, learning and understanding information. A
child with a cognitive delay may have difficulty with problem-solving, following instructions,
or paying attention.
Social and Emotional Skills: Include getting along with others, expressing feelings and the
ability to communicate needs. A child with social or emotional delays may struggle with
understanding social cues, having a conversation or dealing with changes to a routine.
** Developmental delay can be isolated, meaning a delay affects only one area of development. If a
significant delay occurs in two or more of these developmental areas, your child may have what
providers refer to as global developmental delay.
Causes of Developmental Delays
Little children learn to crawl, talk, or use the toilet at different speeds. But sometimes a child may reach
those milestones much later than other kids. There are many reasons for such delays, including:
Genetic Factors: Conditions such as Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome.
Environmental Factors: Premature birth, low birth weight, mother’s exposure to toxins
before birth (such as alcohol, opioids, weed or marijuana), exposure to toxins after birth (such
as lead poisoning), not enough oxygen at birth, poor nutrition (malnutrition), or severe
trauma, including child abuse.
Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses, infections, or neurological disorders.
What to Do If You Suspect a Developmental Delay
Monitor Progress: Keep track of your child’s development and compare it with typical developmental milestones.
Consult Your Pediatrician: Discuss your concerns with your child's doctor. Early intervention is key to addressing developmental delays.
Seek Professional Help: A developmental pediatrician, speech therapist, occupational therapist, or neurologist can assess your child’s needs and provide appropriate therapies.
Early Intervention Services
In most types of developmental delays, early treatment can make a big difference in the progress your
child makes. Depending on what the concerns are, your child may be referred to one or more
specialists. These may include:
Neurologist: diagnose underlying neurological or genetic conditions and recommend treatments such as medications, and therapies like speech, occupational, and physical therapy.
Speech Therapy: Helps with speech and language delays.
Occupational Therapy: Supports the development of fine motor skills and daily living activities.
Physical Therapy: Helps with gross motor skills like crawling, walking, and running.
Special Education: Provides tailored educational support for cognitive and social-emotional development.
Recognizing and addressing developmental delays early can significantly improve your child’s
outcomes. If you have any concerns about your child's development, don't hesitate to seek
help. Our team at MarHiwot Maternal and Child Specialty Center is here to provide the
support and services your child needs to thrive.
