Developmental Delays

Children grow and develop at their own pace. For example, some babies start walking at around 9 months, while others may not walk until 14 months. Those types of short-term delays are normal and usually no cause for concern. If your child is continually behind in certain developmental markers, they may have a developmental delay.

A developmental delay is when a child does not reach developmental milestones at expected times. Types of milestones include the following:

• Social/Emotional (smiling, interacting with parents)
• Language/Communication (speaking, responding to name)
• Cognitive (thinking, learning)
• Movement/physical development (crawling, walking)

In some cases, a developmental delay can be a symptom of other underlying medical conditions, including:

• Autism spectrum disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Muscular dystrophy

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for developmental delays during regular well-child doctor visits. Screening should be conducted at 9, 18, 30, and 48 months old.

Screenings can provide a snapshot of your child’s health and developmental status. Your child may have additional screenings if they are at high risk for developmental problems because they were born early, had a low birth weight, or for other medical reasons.

Treatment for children with developmental delays may include the following:

• Speech and language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Behavioral therapies

Your child’s treatment will be designed for their specific needs. No single therapy is right for every child with a developmental delay.

If you are concerned about your child’s development, be sure to discuss your concerns with your child’s doctor. Your child’s doctor will first do an exam to rule out other problems that may be contributing to your child’s developmental delay. For example, hearing problems may cause delays in your child’s language and communication milestones.

If your child has a developmental delay, you will be referred to a specialist to discuss early intervention services or treatments.

American Academy of Pediatrics
www.healthychildren.org

Center for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/milestones