เChoose the content to read

• Types of developmental delays
• Is developmental delay the same as autism?
• Symptoms of developmental delay in children
• What causes developmental delay?
• How is a yeast infection diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for developmental delay in children?
• What are the methods for preventing developmental delay in children?

Developmental Delay in Children

When speaking about child development, the first thing that comes to our mind may be physical growth. However, child development encompasses cognitive ability, linguistics, and socio-emotional development. Developmental milestones include smiling, rolling over, standing up, waving, and uttering their first words.

If your child lags in one or multiple developmental milestones compared to their peers, worrying you and making you feel anxious, getting an appropriate and timely diagnosis and therapy can improve the developmental delay.

Types of developmental delays

• Cognitive skills: Your child has difficulty understanding information, such as following directions or solving problems.
• Social and emotional skills: Your child struggles with expressing feelings, cannot comprehend verbal and non-verbal cues, or cannot cope with unexpected changes.  
• Speech and language skills: Your child has trouble speaking a word or understanding a conversation.
• Fine and gross motor skills: Your child has difficulty rolling over, sitting up, walking, holding an object, or writing. 

A child can have one or more areas of developmental delays.

Is developmental delay the same as autism?

A developmental delay occurs when a child achieves developmental milestones later than the anticipated timetable. Usually, a child can acquire some skills at a slower or faster pace compared to their peers. However, prompt intervention and support can bridge the development gap.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that emerges in early childhood and persists as time progresses. Children with autism encounter challenges in engaging with others, establishing relationships, and using language effectively.

Symptoms of developmental delay in children

• Delays in rolling, sitting up, crawling, and walking.
• Fine motor difficulties.
• Difficulties understanding and speaking words. Delayed speech development.
• Impaired problem-solving skills. Inability to understand cause and effect. 
• Impaired social skills.

What causes developmental delay?

• Genetic factors such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome
• Environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to alcohol, drugs/narcotics, or marijuana, premature birth, low birth weight, inadequate oxygen at birth, exposure to lead poisoning after birth, poor nutrition, chronic ear infections, or severe trauma like child abuse

How is a yeast infection diagnosed?

• Developmental surveillance

  
  Surveillance involves tracking your child's growth and transformations over time and assessing whether your child achieves the expected developmental milestones in areas such as playing, learning, speaking, behavior, and movement.

• Developmental screening 

  The screening provides more detailed assessments of your child's progress conducted by a pediatrician, nurse, or child educator. Parents and children are required to answer a questionnaire. Additional screenings may be necessary if your child has premature birth, low birth weight, or lead exposure.

• Developmental Evaluation

  If your child has developmental delays, trained specialists, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist, will determine if specialized treatments are necessary.

What is the treatment for developmental delay in children?

If developmental delay in children does not receive treatment at an early stage, children can have difficulties learning. Parents should often observe their development, especially if the child is born prematurely, has several health conditions, and experiences difficulty hearing or seeing. Your doctor may perform a diagnosis before referring you to specialists such as a speech therapist, occupational therapist, or neurologist.

What are the methods for preventing developmental delay in children?

The cause of developmental delays is still unclear. During your pregnancy, it is recommended that you take care of yourself, avoid toxin exposure, and attend all your prenatal appointments. If you notice your child has a developmental delay, consult a pediatrician. Early intervention in babies and children up to 3 years old is the best way to avoid the long-term effects of developmental delays.

How to help your child overcome developmental delays

• Play with your child through activities such as play dough, which can enhance fine motor skills. Playing with adults or friends can help your child with language and social skills. Playing on a playground can foster physical, social, and emotional growth through peer interaction. 
• Read with your child to facilitate language learning. The more words your child hears, the more words they learn.
• Limit screen time to less than 60 minutes a day. Your child can learn best through social interactions with others.  
• Use a visual schedule to help your child follow the daily routine and understand roles and responsibilities.
• Discuss with the child’s pediatrician regularly for tips and support to help your child progress.