What You Need To Know About Developmental Delay?
Developmental delay describes the behaviour of young children whose development in mental or physical is slower than other children of the same age. The delay can be in any area of development such as movement (motor control), speaking, thinking, playing or self-care skills.
What are the causes and chances of developmental delay?
About 17% of children between age 3 and 17 will have developmental delay according to record by Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The causes can be difficult to define since there are variety of it, including:
- Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
- Cerebral palsy
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
- Myopathies, including muscular dystrophies
- Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome
How to monitor your child’s development?
Always keep in mind that every children develop at different rates, so it is possible if when you think your child is delay, it might be normal for your child. Check with physician to find out your child’s milestone according to their age.
Child development experts will look for several key point that can help your child development:
- Physical development
- Cognitive development (thinking skills)
- Language development
- Social-emotion development
Parents can always look after developmental milestone of every child in order to ensure your child is not left behind.
What are the importance of early stimulation?
The parents and family are the key towards the development and early learning in every child. Children who is slow in development need the same stimulation that any child need. But the need more. They need more help and repeated activities to use their minds and bodies.
What are the area of child’s development we need to pay more attention?
- Movement, body control, strength and balance: to help the child move, play and do works.
- Use of the hands: to increase hand control, hand coordination and enhance hand skills.
- The senses (especially seeing, hearing and feeling): to help the child recognize and respond to the words.
- Communication: listening, understanding what is said and learning to speak.
- Interaction with other people: smiling, playing, behaving appropriately, and to get along with others.
- Basic activities for daily living: eating, drinking, dressing and control of bowel (peeing and shitting).
- Observing, thinking and doing: to learn how to make thoughtful and intelligent decision.
