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How do I know if my child has developmental issues?

Signs and Symptoms of Developmental Delay Learning and developing more slowly than other children same age. Rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking much later than developmentally appropriate. Difficulty communicating or socializing with others. Lower than average scores on IQ tests. More items...

ssmhealth.com - Developmental Delay: Causes, Symptoms, & Therapies | SSM Health

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At SSM Health, we know it can be scary to learn your child may have a developmental delay. However, it’s important to know there are treatment options for this diagnosis and it generally does not predict future intelligence. Every child grows and learns differently and we’re here to help yours reach his or her full potential. A developmental delay refers to a child who has not gained the developmental skills expected of him or her, compared to others of the same age. Delays may occur in the areas of motor function, speech and language, cognitive, play, and social skills. Global developmental delay means a young child has significant delays in two or more of these areas of development.

Causes of Developmental Delay

There is not one cause for delays in development. Factors that may contribute can occur before a child is born, during the birth process, and after birth. These could include:

Genetic or hereditary conditions like Down syndrome

Metabolic disorders like phenylketonuria (PKU)

Trauma to the brain, such as shaken baby syndrome

Severe psychosocial trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder

Exposure to certain toxic substances like prenatal alcohol exposure or lead poisoning

Some very serious infections

Deprivation of food or environment

In some cases, it may not be possible to find the cause of the developmental delay.

Signs and Symptoms of Developmental Delay

There are many different signs and symptoms of delay that can exist in children and often vary depending upon specific characteristics. Sometimes you may see signs in infancy, but in other cases they may not be noticeable until your child reaches school age. Some of the most common symptoms can include:

Learning and developing more slowly than other children same age

Rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking much later than developmentally appropriate

Difficulty communicating or socializing with others

Lower than average scores on IQ tests

Difficulties talking or talking late

Having problems remembering things

Inability to connect actions with consequences

Difficulty with problem-solving or logical thinking

Trouble learning in school

Inability to do everyday tasks like getting dressed or using the restroom without help If there is an underlying medical reason that causes the developmental delay, identification and treatment of that condition may improve your child’s developmental skills.

Therapies for Developmental Delays

Although there is no cure for developmental delay, therapies directed to the specific area of delay are very effective in helping children catch up to their peers. These types of therapies may include:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often helpful for children with delays in gross motor skills.

Occupational Therapy

This can addresses fine motor skills, sensory processing and self-help issues.

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech therapy is typically used to address problems in the areas of understanding and producing language and speech sounds.

Early Childhood Special Education

Early childhood special education provides stimulation for early developmental skills, including play skills.

Behavioral therapy

This may be needed in some children for behavioral difficulties that affect socially appropriate behaviors. At SSM Health, our world class team of developmental pediatricians and wide range of specialized therapists all have extensive experience working with families and children with developmental delays. Contact us today to set up an appointment or to learn more about the variety of resources we have to offer.

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