At Travancore National School, 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 Travancore National School, 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.