Every child grows and learns at their own pace, and the range of what’s normal is pretty wide. It’s helpful, though, to know the signs that your child might not have the skills most other kids have at their age. Doctors call those problems developmental delays.

Many delays are not serious, and most kids can catch up, especially when they get early treatment. The key is to get your child the help they need as soon as you think there’s a problem. If you wonder whether your little one is falling behind in emotional, mental, or physical growth, don’t wait to find out. Talk to their doctor right away.

Development Delays:

There are many different types. Children might have problems with:

• Language or speech
• Movement, or motor skills
• Emotional and social skills
• Thinking skills

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What Are Developmental Delays?

There are many different types. Children might have problems with:

• Language or speech
• Movement, or motor skills
• Emotional and social skills
• Thinking skills

Language and Speech Delays

These problems are the most common type of developmental delay. They sound similar, but they’re different types of issues. Speech means the sounds that come out of a person’s mouth. Children who have a speech delay may stutter or have trouble saying words the right way.

Language refers to the meanings of sounds and gestures. Kids with language problems may have trouble expressing themselves or understanding others.

Possible causes. A delay in these skills can happen for many reasons, including:

• Problems with a child’s tongue or the roof of their mouth, which makes it hard to form sounds and words
•  Hearing loss. Kids who’ve had a lot of ear infection can have hearing problems.
• A learning disability
• A developmental disorder, such as cerebral palsy or autism spectrum disorder. 

What a parent can do

If you think your child has a problem with their speech or language, let their doctor know right away. The doctor will need to test their hearing. They’ll probably also suggest that your child see a professional who can diagnose and treat these delays, called a speech-language pathologist or speech therapist. 

To be continued…..