Every child develops at his own pace, but some children experience what are commonly referred to as developmental delays. A developmental delay is diagnosed when a child fails to reach certain milestones (such as talking or walking) within a general, expected time frame. Developmental delays can be influenced by genetic or chromosomal abnormalities as well as exposure to environmental risks (such as drugs and infections) before or after birth. Knowing the warning signs of a potential developmental delay can aid in getting an early diagnosis and possible treatment for the affected child.
Step 1
Check your child's behavior. According to How Kids Develop, an online resource funded by the First 5 Commission of San Diego, a child with a developmental delay may display one or many behavioral warning signs. For example, she may display frustration when performing simple tasks, show aggressive behavior (more so than children around her) and seem antisocial compared with other children. Signs of antisocial behavior may include focusing on objects more than focusing on people, staring into space, rocking her body, talking to herself often, avoiding eye contact and not seeking love and approval from a parent or caregiver.
Step 2
Check your child's motor skills. A child with a developmental delay involving his motor skills may display a few warning signs. He may have stiff arms or legs (or both,) have a limp posture or clumsy manner compared to children his age, or use one side of his body significantly more than he uses the other side. Note that some children without a developmental delay may just be a little clumsy, but take note of anything that seems out of the ordinary. For example, according to Baby Center, a 10-month-old crawling lopsided (pushing off with the hand and leg on one side as he drags the opposite side,) a 12-month-old not crawling or an 18-month-old not walking are considered warning signs.
Step 3
Check for signs of poor vision. When a child has a developmental delay with her vision, she may display visual warning signs or even behavioral warning signs. For example, she may seem to have trouble following objects or people with her eyes when she is first born, but if she continues to have these problems well into toddlerhood, she may have a developmental delay. She may also hold her head in an unusual position (tilting, turning or straining) when trying to see an object, have trouble making eye contact, bring objects close to her eyes to see them or close one eye when trying to see far objects. You may also notice that she rubs her eyes a lot and has trouble finding and picking up objects dropped on the floor (after she's about a year old.) If her eyes seem abnormal in size, coloring or they appear to be crossed or turned, consult a physician.
Step 4
Check for signs of a hearing problem. A child with a hearing problem may display physical or behavioral symptoms of a developmental delay. For example, he may have a developmental delay if he seems to ignore you when you call him from across the room, even if you are saying something he would find interesting. He may also have trouble following your directions (if he is over age three), talk in a quiet or very loud voice and not startle when he hears loud noises. He may fail to make sounds or words that would seem appropriate for his age, turn his body so that the same ear is aimed at the sound, or have ears that appear small or deformed.
Tips and Warnings
- Various services are equipped to help children with developmental delays in all areas. Consult a pediatrician for an evaluation if you think your child is displaying any signs or symptoms of a developmental delay.
