How to Know When a Child is Experiencing Developmental Problems

How to Know When A Child is ExperiencingDevelopmental Problems

Each child develops and grows at his or her

own paceHowever, there are signs that point to possible developmental problems in a child,and as a parent or childcare worker, it is important to

be aware of these signs.

Children can experienceDevelopmental delaysin many different areas, and the sooner these problems or delays are recognised,

The better.Early detection and remediation can be highly effective in helping children to catch up with their development.

A delay in development can occur in one or more of the following areas:

Language/speech

Speech delaysare quite common in children, and may be due to a variety of causes, such as:

• A learning disability• Problems with the muscles that are used

to control speech• Autism• No identifiable medical reason

A speech delay should be

attended to immediately by trying to determine the cause and by assisting the child with his or her speech development.

Early warning signs of language/speech delay include:

• By 3 months: no response to loud noise• By 5 months: no response to any sounds, and the child

does not babble• By 1 year: cannot pronounce any words (like “mama”)• By 2 years: cannot say a total of 10 words

Treatment: If you suspect that a child has a delay in language or speech development, or if a medical professional has confirmed that there is such a delay:

• Increase communication with the child – use songs and rhymes, and encourage repetition

• Read stories to the child every day• Sound out words when reading or speaking to the child• Arrange for the child to see a speech therapist

Vision

normally blurry until the age of 6 monthsA child’s vision is

According to empowher.com,“From 2 to 3 months of age, your baby’s eyes begin to move and focus better and they will start to reach for objects, and “tracking” or shifting their gaze to follow the sound of your voice or other objects placed within their visual range – without moving their head”

After 6 months it is easier to notice whether there are problems with the development of a child’s vision.

Warning signsEarly

of visual problems include:

• Constantly rubbing the eyes• Straining the eyes to see • Demonstrating light sensitivity

TREATMENT: This will depend on the cause of the visual problems. The child will need to be assessed by a doctor or optometrist, who may recommend:

• Surgery• An eye patch• Glasses

Movement (motor skills)

A MOTOR DEFICIENCy can have a big impact on a child’s later academic achievement, and can prevent him or her from participating in play and sporting activities.It is therefore

Importantthat parents, caregivers, and childcare workers keep an eye open for the early signs of motor skill deficiencies.

Warning SignsEarly include:

OFTEN , motor skill deficiencies are only identified once a child goes to school, and it becomes noticeable that the child cannot perform the same activities (such as catching a ball or painting a picture) as his or her peers.

• By 3 months: experiencing difficulties holding up his/her head

• By 6 months: not being able to roll over or sit• Using one side of the body more than the other• Having a very clumsy manner compared with

other children of the same age• Having stiff arms and/or legs• Having poor co-ordination

Treatment:Once a child has been assessed, and the problem areas have been identified, a doctor or occupational therapist may recommend a specific course of action, such as:

• Encouraging the child to participate in certain types of physical activities

• Doing certain types of exercises with the child• Scheduling therapeutic sessions with an

occupational therapist or physical therapist

Social and emotional skills

Some children experience delays in their social development. These delays can be observed when a child is

Interacting with other children or with adults. Delays in social development can be due to a

wide range of reasonsincluding:• Neglect by a parent • Attachment problems • Cognitive delays

are usually noticeable before the child reaches school-going age, and can include:

EARLY WARNING SIGNS

TREATMENT: Delays in social development can often be remedied through behavioural therapy. In some cases a medical professional might prescribe medicine to help remedy the delay and assist with the child’s development. In other cases, exposure to regular positive social situations and interactions may be enough.

• At the age of 6 – 24 months: not smiling at anyone• Not paying attention to seeing new faces• From the age of 12 months: lacking social skills or

preferring to interact only with familiar adults• Not enjoying play

Cognitive (thinking) skills

Cognitive skills refer to a child’s ability to process information, remember, reason, and relate to things. There are many possible causes for cognitive delays, including:

• Genetic defects• Premature birth• Medical problems before birth• Environmental factors (e.g. lead

poisoning)

• From the age of 1, not being able to:

Early warning signs of delays in cognitive development include

Use gestures, such as wavingUnderstand the functions of common objects, such as a hairbrush, telephone, or spoonImitate actions or words

• Not pointing towards things that interest him/ her• Displaying signs of memory loss• Displaying signs of poor co-ordination• Not being able to identify parents or close family

Treatment:

intellectual delays or psychiatric disorders, on the other hand, will most likely be treated with prescribed medication.

However,

The type of treatment will depend on the nature of the delay. Educational intervention can help a child develop specific cognitive skills. Educators and therapists may also recommend specific steps you can take with the child at home, at school, or at day care.

most developmental delays are not serious and that most of the time, a child can catch up.

REMEMBER:

If you suspect that your child – or a child under your care –has a developmental delay, you should take appropriate action to ensure that the child can start with remedial action as soon as possible.

The earlieryou start remedying a developmental delay, the more effective the treatment is likely to be.

If you are

Studying a ChildCare course

Interested in learning more about childcare, or even

on a part-time basis from home, you can visit the Oxbridge Academy website here:

Click here