Child development is assessed not just based on physical growth but on the milestones they achieve in playing, speaking, learning, and moving. Their cognitive abilities, linguistics, and social and emotional development are all taken into account. Even though children develop at their own pace, significant delays in milestone development may indicate underlying issues. Early recognition and intervention can help children reach their full potential. At STEPS Clinic, our skilled paediatrician in Dubai can offer the right support and care to address developmental delays in children. In this article, we’ll discuss more about development delays and various signs of developmental delays in children.
What Is A Developmental Delay?
When a child is slow to reach one or more milestones compared to their peers, it is a developmental delay. This could be either physical, mental, or emotional development. While it isn’t right to compare your child with others, since each child’s development journey is unique, if you suspect that your child is having developmental delays, seek expert advice from a paediatrician in Dubai. Common developmental milestones are:
Smiling
Rolling over
Responding to the name
Holding an object
Babbling
Sitting
Crawling
Walking
Waving bye-bye
Children grow and learn skills in areas like communication, play, learning, physical activity, and movement. Every child progresses at their own pace, and there’s no exact schedule they must follow. So, being a little behind doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. However, if a child consistently struggles to reach age-appropriate milestones, it may be a sign of a developmental delay.
Signs of Developmental Delays in Children
Identifying the delay and getting proper treatment as soon as possible is essential. Here are some of the delayed development signs in children. If you are seeing any such delay in your baby, consult with a paediatrician in Dubai for proper and early treatment.
Speech And Language Delay
Children start babbling as infants, and by one year, they will start forming words. If your baby is unable to communicate through gestures or speak by 18 months or doesn’t produce words or phrases by 2 years, it could indicate a developmental delay. Oral problems, hearing issues, speech and language disorders, lack of stimulation, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and neurological problems can also cause speech and language delays in children. Consult a children’s specialist in Dubai to assess the child’s condition and take appropriate measures.
Cognitive Delay
Children with cognitive delay, sometimes called intellectual disability, develop slowly compared to their peers. It affects how they think, learn, and understand things. Cognitive delay can be mild or severe and may happen due to genetic factors, problems during pregnancy, the mother’s health, or certain medicines taken before birth.
Motor Skills Delays
By 6 months, children can sit unassisted, crawl around 9 months, and begin walking by 12-15 months. If you notice that your child isn’t crawling by 12 months or taking their steps by 18 months, it is crucial to consult a paediatrician in Dubai. Motor skills can be developed by providing a safe space for your child where they can move and explore toys.
Social, Behavioural, And Emotional Skill Delays
Today, many children get diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which fall under social, emotional, and behavioural issues. Environmental influences and parenting styles shape these neurological differences and genetic predispositions, which have a direct impact on the child’s ability to interact, communicate, respond, and learn. Recognising a child’s social challenges by learning their reactions to cues and procrastination. When faced with a tempting situation, they might throw tantrums and require more time to settle down. Disinterest in social events, challenges in forming friendships, emotional fluctuations, diminished self-worth, impulsivity, hostility, inappropriate conduct, and low energy levels are some indicators.
Causes of Development Delays
Now that we have discussed the signs of developmental delays in children, let’s examine the causes behind them.
- Born prematurely
- Low birth weight
- Use of alcohol, cigarettes, or substances by the mother during pregnancy.
- Hindered growth due to malnutrition
- Family history of Down’s Syndrome or Muscular Dystrophy
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Insufficient oxygen during the delivery process
- Exposure to toxins before and after birth
Developmental Screening
Developmental screening is used by healthcare professionals to determine if children are developing basic skills at the appropriate time or if they have any problems. By interacting with your child, a developmental paediatrician will observe how your child speaks, moves, and behaves. Developmental screening helps determine if your child is progressing properly or requires additional assessments or interventions. Due to the broad spectrum of development and behaviour at each age, it’s typical for children to achieve a milestone sooner or later than the average trend. Your child’s paediatrician in Dubai will assess the overall situation and inform you how your child fits in.
Early Support for Developmental Delays Starts Here
Recognizing developmental delays early is crucial to getting help before they become worse. Early intervention can make significant changes and improve your child’s quality of life. At STEPS Clinic, our pediatricians in Dubai offer the proper diagnosis and appropriate therapy to help improve your child’s abilities. Our personalized treatment for developmental delays in children ensures that each child receives the right care and support. As a parent, if you are worried about delays in any aspect of your child’s growth, book a consultation with us for expert guidance, early assessment, and personalized support.