Identify a child's developmental delay with these warning signs
Keeping a close eye on your child for some warning signs can help you identify a developmental delay earlier rather than later.
Pinpointing a problem can feel a little scary, but it can also improve your child’s longterm outlook. No matter what happens, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Another positive reality is that there are tons of programs and professionals in the community to help both your child and family.
To make it easier to discover a developmental delay, we’ve provided some warning signs below – if your child shows two or more of them regularly, then it’s time to check in with a professional.
Difficulty with communication
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• Uses less words than other children of the same age
• Loss of words
• Does not understand simple instructions
• Uses few or no gestures (i.e., pointing)
Behaviour concerns
• Easily upset when routine changes
• Often does repetitive movements with objects
• Often does repetitive movements with body parts (i.e., arms, hands)
• Has difficulty paying attention to an activity compared to other children of the same age
Difficulty with social/interaction skills
• Avoids making eye contact
• Does not share interests/objects with others
• Does not listen when called by name
Self care delays
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• Bed time and sleeping patterns are not consistent
• Feeding issues (i.e., picky eater, doesn’t chew food)
• Difficulty with toilet training
• Dependent on others for dressing
Motor concerns
• Avoids playing on playground equipment
• Seems to be more clumsy than other children
• Uses one side of the body much more often than the other
• Finds it hard to keep postural control (i.e. sitting)
Check out Monarch House online to find out how its services can help your child. Options include social groups, speech pathology, assessments, occupational therapy, behaviour treatment, and many more. Its experts can point you in the right direction and provide you with tools to help with your child at home. You can find out more about Monarch House via Facebook and Twitter.
Check out the following resources for more information.
- Infant Development Program (IDP)
- Supported Child Development
- Regional Contacts for Children & Youth with Special Needs
- At Home Funding Program
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