Child Development Concerns: When Parents Should Act Fast
All children are at different stages of development, but there are some indicators that warrant attention. Child development concerns may begin small and subtle such as not meeting milestones, slow speech, and decreased eye contact. Parents are typically the first to see these changes, as they know their child so well and observe him/her from day to day.
Common Red Flags in Speech, Motor & Social Skills
By 12 months, if your toddler has not begun to say simple words or to babble; or by 18 months, if he or she has not started simple words, he or she may require extra assistance. Other signs of a delay can include problems with crawling, walking and/or holding small objects.
There is a significant role for social cues too. Note this over a period of weeks, if they don't make eye contact with them, respond to their name, show interest in other children.
A child, for instance, may grasp simple orders but not be able to communicate needs and feelings in words. An overview of patterns over time can be more informative than a single missed milestone.
The Role of Parents in Child Development
Educating early learning is an everyday activity of parents. Shared connection, trust and language development through talking, reading and playing together. This makes the role of parents in child development central, not secondary, to healthy growth.
When Observation Becomes Action
Take brief notes of what your child says, does and responds to, each week. When writing small patterns they are easier to see.
Many pediatricians recommend that parents should keep up on developmental milestones over time, since it's easier to see the subtleties of development over time rather than in one appointment.
If it persists for over a few weeks, it's a sign that it's time for intervention. When you don't have a doctor telling you, this is where you should listen to your gut feelings.
When to Seek Professional Help
Often missed milestones don't necessarily indicate a problem. Having problems other than speech, movement or behavior. If a skill is not developed at an age that is normal for a child, ask for a full assessment of that age.
It's important for parents to talk with a health care provider about child development concerns as soon as they notice them, and not wait and see if the child will catch up.
Types of Specialists Who Can Help
The first place to go for any concerns is to the pediatrician. They will then, depending on their observations, refer you to a speech therapist, occupational therapist or developmental pediatrician.
Child psychologists can be used to treat behaviour or social delays. Each expert has a particular knowledge of one small segment of a large picture.
What to Expect After Seeking Help
Typically, an evaluation would consist of a history (history questions) and some relatively simple observation tasks. The majority of visits are relaxed, not clinical nor stressful.
Early Intervention Makes a Difference
Many studies have been conducted over the years that correlate the results of early intervention with language, motor, and behavior.
Do not assume that every child who is supported has a serious condition. In many instances, it provides families with "how-to" and resources to assist them in developing key skills more efficiently.
Conclusion
When you are thinking about trusting your instincts it is better to go with your instincts than to wait for something that makes you really sure. If something does not feel right going to see your child's pediatrician for a while will not keep you up all night worrying so you can just go and check on your child's health with the pediatrician and then you can feel better, about your child and your instincts. Please do not delay discussing or seeking help, early help is most important. Share with another parent who might need it!