A Developmental Delay means that a child has not learned the expected developmental skills as other children with the same age group. Delays may happen in the areas of speech, language, motor functions, and social skills. To sum up, developmental delay refers to a child who has significantly shown delays in two or more development areas.
Babies and kids learn crucial skills like walking, babbling, scrolling, standing up, etc., and later on, talking and become toilet training while they grow up. But you cannot see this case with a child with Developmental Decay. They may not be able to learn these essential habits until much later than expected. Some necessary activities like talking or walking, hand movements, grasping new skills, and interaction with others emotionally and socially.
CAUSES
There is not distinct one cause for developmental delay. Several factors may present when a child is born and during the whole birth process and after it. These could consist:
- Genetic ailment like Down Syndrome.
- Metabolic ill conditions like phenylketonuria
- Brain trauma such as shaken baby syndrome
- Malnutrition of food and environment.
- Subjection to toxic substances like prenatal alcohol exposure.
- Serious infections.
However, it has been observed that in some cases, the cause of developmental delay remains unknown.
When a child proceeds to grow, their development continues to be assessed. If they are not performing developmental activities and capabilities, they need further, more special assessment. In such circumstances, parents immediately need to consult a child’s doctor if they indicate such symptoms. Moreover, parents need to observe and watch any loss of skills which has been learned earlier.
Contact the doctor immediately if, by 3 to 4 months, your child does not respond to loud noises, does not babbles and babbles but does not imitate any sounds. In the meantime, till he turns two years if he is not speaking even 15 words, does not use two words phrases without repetition, and still does not use speech to communicate more than immediate requirements. Mentioned symptoms might be the reason for the developmental delay.
MEDICATION AND THERAPIES FOR CHILD WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY
When you consult with the pediatrician, and if they diagnose DD, he likely may several questions regarding the child’s progress. They may carry out some medical tests and closely monitors a child’s development to identify the reason behind DD. Some children may be referred to specialists like speech and language therapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists for additional evaluations.
Although there is no direct cure for developmental delay, therapies can help them to improve in specific areas and practical learning activities just like other children. These therapies are-
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical Therapy is useful and helpful for children with delays in gross motor skills.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
This can directly fine motor skills, self-help issues, and sensory processing.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY
This can be used to address the problem in the sphere of coherent understanding and speak languages and sounds.
EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION
It inspires early developmental activities, including playing skills.
BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
This may be required in some children for behavioral difficulties that influence socially appropriate behavior.