Arey, yeh ab tak chalta nahi? (is your child not walking yet?)

Isne bolna shuru nahi kia? (he/she hasn’t started speaking?)

Simple remarks by family, friends, or maybe strangers, though insensitive can be a cause for concern for development. Children take their own time to reach the milestones. Minor or temporary delays are generally not a cause for concern. Ongoing and multiple delays can be the beginning of some serious health problems that can affect their life. The development starts from the time of birth and it is primarily divided into five areas.

1. Cognitive skills

Assessing your child's cognitive development, particularly their vision, is essential for early intervention if delays are suspected. Here are some signs to watch for at different stages of development:

• At 2 months: Your child should start to notice their hands. They may look at and begin to explore their hands, showing an awareness of them.
• At 3 months: Your child should be able to track or follow moving objects with their eyes. This indicates that their visual tracking abilities are developing appropriately.
• At 6 months: If your child is experiencing constant tearing or eye drainage, it could be a sign of an issue that needs attention. Additionally, by 6 months, your child should be able to track both near and far objects with their eyes. They should be able to follow objects that are at least 1 foot away as well as those that are farther away, around 6 feet.

If you notice any of these signs or if you have concerns about your child's vision or cognitive development, it's important to consult with your pediatrician or an eye care professional. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can help address any potential issues and support your child's overall development and learning abilities. 

2. Social and emotional skills

Social and emotional skills are crucial for building relationships and navigating the world around us. Here's a breakdown of these skills in babies and toddlers:

• In Babies: Social and emotional skills in babies primarily involve their ability to express themselves and engage with others. This often manifests through simple behaviors such as smiling, making eye contact, and cooing or babbling to communicate. Babies may also show signs of attachment and seek comfort from familiar caregivers. For example, they may become calmer when held or comforted by a parent or caregiver.
• In Toddlers: As children grow into toddlers, their social and emotional skills continue to develop and become more complex. Toddlers start to express a wider range of emotions and may begin to understand the feelings of others. They may demonstrate empathy by comforting a friend who is upset or sharing toys with a playmate. Additionally, toddlers begin to engage in more sophisticated social interactions, such as taking turns during play or following simple social rules. They may also start to develop friendships and show preferences for certain peers.

Overall, social and emotional skills in babies and toddlers lay the foundation for healthy relationships and emotional well-being later in life. Encouraging positive social interactions, providing opportunities for play and exploration, and offering emotional support and guidance are all essential for fostering the development of these critical skills from an early age.

 3. Speech and language skills

Assessing your child's speech and language skills is important for identifying potential delays and seeking early intervention if needed. Here are some signs to watch for at different stages of development:

• At 3-4 months: Your child should start to engage in babbling, which involves making repetitive consonant-vowel sounds (e.g., "ba-ba-ba" or "da-da-da"). They should also respond to loud noises or voices by turning their head or showing some other indication of recognition.
• At 4 months: Your child should begin to attempt to imitate sounds they hear. This may involve mimicking simple sounds or vocalizations made by others.
• At 7 months: If your child does not respond to sounds at all or shows a lack of interest in auditory stimuli, it could indicate a potential hearing problem or language issue that warrants further evaluation.
• At 1 year: By their first birthday, most children should be using single words to communicate basic needs or desires. These words may be simple, such as "mama," "dada," or "ball."
• At 2 years: By the age of 2, children should be expanding their vocabulary and using a variety of words to express themselves. Most toddlers should be able to speak at least 15 words and start to combine words to form short phrases or simple sentences. If your child can only imitate speech but does not use it to communicate independently, or if their speech development seems significantly delayed, it's important to seek guidance from a pediatrician or speech-language pathologist.

Early intervention is key for addressing speech and language delays and helping children develop the communication skills they need to succeed. If you have concerns about your child's speech and language development, don't hesitate to seek to top professional psychologist's advice and support.

4. Motor skills

Assessing your child's motor skills development is important for identifying any potential delays and seeking appropriate support and intervention. Here are some signs to watch for at different stages of development:

• At 3 or 4 months old: Your child should start to show an interest in reaching for, grasping, and holding objects. They may begin to swipe at toys or other objects within reach.
• At 5 months: Most babies should be able to roll over in both directions, from front to back and back to front. This demonstrates the development of core strength and coordination.
• At 6 months: By this age, many babies can sit up without assistance, using their own trunk and neck muscles for support. They may still wobble a bit but should be able to maintain a seated position for short periods.
• At 7 months: Your baby should actively reach for objects that catch their attention. This demonstrates hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.
• At 1 year: Most babies should be crawling or starting to crawl independently. Some may also be pulling themselves up to stand and cruising along furniture or other surfaces while holding on for support.
• At 18 months: By this age, many toddlers can walk independently or with minimal assistance. They may also start to push wheeled toys or walk while holding onto a push toy for support.
• At 2 years: Toddlers typically refine their walking skills and can walk steadily without assistance. If your child still walks on their toes consistently or has difficulty walking smoothly, it may be worth discussing with a pediatrician or physical therapist.

It's important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, and some variations in motor skills development are normal. However, if you notice persistent delays or concerns about your child's motor skills, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider or early childhood specialist for further evaluation and guidance. Early intervention can make a significant difference in addressing motor skills delays and helping your child reach their full potential. 

5. Activities of daily living

Activities of daily living (ADLs) refer to the basic tasks that individuals typically perform in their everyday lives to take care of themselves and maintain independence. These activities include:

• Personal hygiene: This involves tasks such as bathing or showering, brushing teeth, combing hair, and washing hands. Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential for overall health and well-being.
• Dressing: Being able to dress oneself independently involves skills such as putting on and taking off clothes, fastening buttons or zippers, and tying shoelaces. It also includes selecting appropriate clothing for different occasions and weather conditions.
• Feeding: The ability to feed oneself involves using utensils, such as spoons and forks, to eat meals independently. It also includes skills such as pouring drinks, cutting food, and chewing and swallowing safely.
• Toileting: This includes using the toilet independently, including managing clothing, wiping oneself, and flushing the toilet. It also involves understanding and following proper hygiene practices related to toileting.
• Mobility: Mobility-related ADLs include tasks such as getting in and out of bed or chairs, walking, climbing stairs, and using mobility aids such as canes or walkers if needed.
• Transferring: Transferring refers to moving from one position to another, such as from sitting to standing or from lying down to sitting. This may involve using assistive devices or techniques to safely transfer between surfaces.

For individuals with disabilities or older adults with age-related limitations, performing ADLs independently may be challenging. In such cases, caregivers or healthcare professionals may provide assistance or adaptations to support individuals in maintaining their independence and quality of life.

Do you suspect your child is developmentally delayed?

If your child may be experiencing developmental delays, it's crucial to address your concerns promptly. While it's normal for children to develop at different early identification and intervention can significantly affect their long-term outcomes.

Talking to your pediatrician about your worries is the first step. They can assess your child's development and, if necessary, refer you to specialists for further evaluation. If your child is of school-going age and is diagnosed with a developmental delay, early interventions can be initiated based on the specific diagnosis.

Treatment options for developmental delays vary depending on the nature and severity of the delay. These may include:

• Physical Therapy: This focuses on improving motor skills, strength, and coordination.
• Occupational Therapy: This helps children develop the skills needed for daily activities, such as dressing, feeding, and writing.
• Speech Therapy: For children experiencing delays in language and communication skills, speech therapy can help improve communication abilities.
• Behavioral Therapy: This addresses behavioral challenges and helps children learn appropriate social skills and behaviors.
• Educational Therapy: Tailored educational programs can provide additional support to help children overcome learning difficulties and reach their full potential.

Early intervention programs are designed to support children in reaching developmental delays and overcoming challenges they may face. These interventions are typically individualized to meet each child's specific needs and may involve a multidisciplinary team of professional psychologists.

Recall that you are your child's greatest advocate as a parent. Trust your instincts and seek help if you have concerns about your child's development. With early identification and appropriate interventions, children with developmental delays can progress significantly and thrive in their personal and academic lives.

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