A child who is socially delayed may show warning signs as early as 13 months. However, all children develop at their own pace, so even if a baby shows one or two of these signs, it may not mean there is a delay. If a parent is concerned, she should take her child to the doctor, where he can be properly evaluated for such developmental disorders as autism or a pervasive developmental disorder. Early intervention is key when dealing with social and cognitive delays.
Non-verbal Communication Symptoms
A baby who is socially or cognitively delayed may show symptoms even before she starts talking. Between 13 and 18 months, she may not smile or laugh at appropriate times, wave, point, play with her toys or respond to her name, says the website Baby Center. By the time she turns 2, she may not recognize familiar objects or faces, or play imaginary games.
Communication Delays
Verbal delays or verbal confusion is a common sign of a social delay. The baby may not babble, try to imitate, respond with verbal sounds, or may repeat the same sound repeatedly. Communication delays can have a sudden onset. Sometimes, a 1- to 2-year-old who has been speaking, babbling or using communication signals will stop. This is a serious sign of a problem, says the website helpguide.org.
Symptoms in Older Children
An older child who is socially delayed will have trouble in situations that call for conversational skills. She may have trouble making friends, may not understand how to behave in a classroom or may be completely disinterested in socializing with others. She may be very uncomfortable with being touched or hugged by loved ones, avoid eye contact or behave in odd ways.
Soothing Behaviors
A child who is socially delayed or a child who is diagnosed on the autism spectrum may turn to soothing behaviors to deal with the chaotic world around him. Rocking is the most common of these behaviors, but the child may also flap his hands, bang his head, repeat the same sounds, obsessively line up objects or snap his fingers.
