When a family welcomes a baby in their life then the happiness and joy one feels is massive. Each of the family members showers their love upon the new baby. Babies are appreciated and as they grow parents make sure that their all needs are met properly. But in a few cases parents may find it difficult to cope with the developmental delay of their child.
Developmental delay refers to the delay that occurs in a child’s motor functions, speech or cognitive functions. A child suffering from developmental delay may not act as another child of his or her age. In this phase parents and loved ones may feel a lot of trouble and a sense of confusion.
There are few causes and symptoms of developmental delay which we will be sharing i’m following sections.
Some signs and symptoms of developmental delay.
There are some signs and symptoms of developmental delay which are shared as follows-
- A child may have difficulty in thinking.
- A child may feel it is difficult to solve basic problems.
- The low IQ can also be a symptom.
- One may feel it is difficult to learn in school.
- Help may be required during all the basic activities.
- Speech related issues are also a sign of developmental delay.
- Crawling or standing may take more time as compared to other fellows of age.
- Children may face difficulty in socialising with others.
All these can be signs or symptoms related to developmental delay. One may observe the signs of their child.
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Are there any possible causes of developmental delay?
There are few possible causes of developmental delay which are shared in this section.
The possible causes of developmental delay are as follows-
- Environment plays a very great role in the development of a child. Being deprived of a good environment can be a cause.
- Some genetic conditions can cause this.
- Down syndrome is also a possible cause.
- Disorder like phenylketonuria is a known reason.
- Trauma to the brain can also cause this.
- Shaken baby syndrome is a known reason.
- Exposure to alcohol and smoke of mother can affect the baby.
These are some possible causes of developmental delay. Proper diagnosis can help one to know the exact reason for developmental delay.
What are developmental milestones?
Developmental milestones are the skills that are performed by children at a specific age of their life. milestones may include some things that are-
- Rolling over on their own.
- Taking a first step on their own is a developmental milestone.
- Waving bye is a developmental stone.
- Words like ‘dada’ and ‘papa‘ are all good signs.
- Trying to stand up after a fall can be considered a milestone.
When a child fails to do all this then the delay in that can be called developmental delay.
Is there any diagnosis of developmental delay?
There are some ways in which a healthcare expert can help you identify if your child is suffering from developmental delay. The ways are mentioned as follows-
- Healthcare experts may ask you to play with your child in front of them.
- They may ask your child a few questions.
- They may test the speech of your child.
- The assessment can help them to detect whether their problem solving skill is active or not.
- Pronunciation of small words may be asked to be done.
- Other lab tests can be done for genetic disorders.
With the help of all these one may find out whether their child is suffering from developmental delay or not.
Therapies for developmental delay that helps in Adhd in children too.
There are some therapies that can help in dealing with developmental delay in children.The child therapies are as follows-
- Behavioural therapy is a therapy which helps in altering the behaviours of a child. This therapy can help in modifying the behaviour of a child.
- You can do speech therapy for better speech, progressing according to the lessons provided by the healthcare provider.
- Occupational and physical therapy is a therapy that revolves around the skills of playing and help in activities like running or walking.
- Social skill therapy is suitable for providing emotional guidance and it teaches how to interact with others.
- Feeding therapy is suitable for infants and it may help in making them more active and responsive.
Developmental delay varies in infants and older children. Appropriate activities and therapies are to be provided by healthcare according to the age of the child. Child counselling is effective in it too.
Things to do with a child who is suffering developmental delay or Adhd.
Few things and activities can be done with a child who is suffering from developmental delay and ADHD. The activities are as follows-
- Use pictures for helping them in understanding what you really want to tell. Place pictures around, tell them as you speak about the particular thing. Show them a picture of a brush to tell them that they need to use this.
- Always stay connected to the healthcare provider and to the specialists who are giving therapies to your child. Connect to them and talk about the progression of your child.
- Use special interactive plays for your child. Try innovating new games which will keep them active. Use slime to let them play with it. Digging dirt can also help in motor skills.
- Always be kind and have patience while interacting with your child.
These simple ways can help you and your child to deal with developmental delay.
Points to ponder while interacting with them.
Here are some things that one needs to take care while interacting with children suffering from developmental delay.
The things are as follows-
- Always maintain eye contact while speaking to them.
- Build up the sentences. If your child uses a single word then add a few words more to make it clear.
- Do not speak very fast while speaking with them.
- Do not force the child a lot to repeat the words.
- Behave as a child with them. Play with them as they want to play.
Proper care and assistance can help a child overcome developmental delay. Earlier diagnosis can help a lot. Make sure that your child gets the best guidance.
How common is Developmental delay in India and Globally?
Developmental delay is relatively common in India, affecting a significant number of children across various regions. Although precise national data is limited, studies and reports suggest that approximately 10-15% of Indian children experience some form of developmental delay. These delays can be in cognitive, motor, speech, or social-emotional development.
Prevalence of Developmental Delay in India:
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP): The IAP estimates that around 10% of children under the age of 6 may have developmental delays. We observe these delays across domains such as speech, motor skills, cognition, and social interactions.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Report: The ICMR conducted studies that indicate 13-18% of children in various regions show developmental delays. This includes both urban and rural areas, with underdiagnosis being common, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare.
- Regional Studies:
- In a Delhi-based study, about 14% of children aged 2-5 exhibited developmental delays, especially in motor and language skills.
- A study in rural Tamil Nadu found that around 18% of children showed delays, often due to a lack of early diagnosis and intervention.
Factors Contributing to Developmental Delays in India:
- Lack of early screening and intervention: Many children in rural and underprivileged areas lack access to pediatric healthcare, delaying the identification of developmental issues.
- Socioeconomic factors: Poor nutrition, inadequate maternal care, and environmental factors contribute to the higher rates of developmental delays in low-income families.
- Regional disparities: Children in rural areas tend to have a higher prevalence of developmental delays due to poorer healthcare infrastructure.
Global Prevalence of Developmental Delay:
Globally, developmental delays affect around 1 in 6 children, or about 17%. The rate varies by region due to differences in healthcare infrastructure, early screening, and socioeconomic conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that developmental delays occur more frequently in low- and middle-income countries due to limited access to early intervention programs.
In both India and globally, early intervention and improved healthcare access are key to addressing developmental delays effectively.
Conclusion.
Note the signs of developmental delay. In the form of Adhd, Autism, etc it can be seen. Kids with these conditions need more care and support. Support them by giving the best form of treatment. Therapies can be very great and they can help a lot. Gather best insights upon therapy and then choose a good therapy for your child.
Get child therapy and counseling for your child mental growth
FAQs.
Is it okay for a child to get child therapy?
Child therapy is always helpful. A child can get the best results after undergoing child therapy. It helps in issues of developmental delay, autism, Adhd, etc.
Are there any ways of dealing with Adhd?
You can help your kid in dealing with Adhd by various means. You can make changes in the lifestyle, you can book a therapist. Mental health professionals will specifically help in regulating thoughts and emotions.
From where to do child counseling?
Many good platforms can help you give the child the best counseling. Choose the counseling by checking all the details of the counselors. Book a session and then note the change.