While it's true that every child develops at a different pace, being able to recognize signs of potential developmental delays can help your child make progress through early intervention. Most delays are not serious – and the child often catches up. Only when a baby or preschooler lags far behind, or fails to reach developmental milestones, or loses a previously acquired skill, is there reason to suspect a mental or physical problem serious enough to be considered a developmental disability. A variety of factors contribute to a child being at a higher risk for having developmental disabilities.
These factors may be biological, genetic, environmental, or infections. Prenatal factors, such as exposure to alcohol, drugs, or toxins; genetic syndromes, such as Down Syndrome, Fragile X, or other disorders; premature births, low birth weight, and congenital heart defect may also put an infant at higher risk for disabilities. If there is a sibling with a developmental disability, children have a higher risk of being diagnosed with that condition. After your child is born, factors which can promote optimal development include: good nutrition; stable, low stress and consistent environment; warm and responsive parent-child interactions together with positive parenting practices.
Language and speech problems are the most common type of developmental delay.
Symptoms of Concern
Tantrums and behavior difficulties are very common in children with developmental delays.
Symptoms of Concern
While it's true that every child learns at his or her own pace, there are a few flags that may be possible indicators of a developmental delay or learning problem.
Symptoms of Concern
Social and emotional delays often show up pre-school age – and may cause children to have problems interacting with adults or other children.
Symptoms of Concern
Problems with coordination or motor skills may signal a developmental delay, or an underlying medical condition.
Symptoms of Concern
"I'm Jack. I'm five. I have autism. I can't talk yet, but Mom and Dad say I've learned a lot. I go to the Child Study Center, they understand me. Giving to the Child Study Center helps me and my friends."