Developmental Delay
What to do if you have concerns about your baby’s developmental milestones
Often parents are the first to notice that their child might not be meeting the typical milestones that infants or children of their age are meeting. Developmental delay refers to an infant or child who is delayed in more than one area compared to typically developing children. These areas include gross and fine motor skills, speech, language, cognitive, social and emotional development. Issues in these areas could present as having trouble with crawling, walking, speaking, or interacting socially.
Physiotherapy can help with delays your child may be experiencing and assist them to explore and experience the world around them. Children reach their developmental milestones at different ages. Even if your baby is developing typically there are strategies that can be helpful in supporting their development of movement and milestones. If your baby is delayed meeting their milestones, we can give you strategies that can support and progress their development.
Developmental delay isn’t always caused by an underlying medical condition, however, it should be identified as early as possible. Early intervention has been shown to make positive progress in children’s lives, allowing them to “catch” up to their peers. Children need opportunities to experience the world by playing and exploring with the people and things around them. Kids that are developmentally delayed often need extra activities that pitched at exactly the right level for them. At Bodyfit Physio we provide activities that are easy for you, and enjoyable for your baby or child. We work with you and and your family to assist your child to learn and explore their environment, helping their mind and body to develop.
Common causes of developmental delay
- Genetic factors
- Premature birth
- Environmental factors
- Underlying medical conditions
Common signs and symptoms
- Delays in rolling, sitting, crawling and walking
- Trouble with gross and fine motor skills
- Low muscle tone
- Difficulty with problem solving
Physiotherapy intervention
- Activities that are enjoyable and motivate exploration
- Working on functional strength to assist with daily activities
- Assisting you to build confidence with your skills and the skills your child is learning
- Develop strategies to include in your daily routine that will help your child build their fine and gross motor skills as you go about your regular day.
“ We will work together with you to assist your child to build their skills in a way that is meaningful to your family ”
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing your child’s developmental delay. Identifying and addressing the areas of challenge helps them develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
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