Children’s development covers a range of areas, including gross and fine motor skills, as well as language and communication abilities. This International Disability Day, be vigilant for signs of growth delays in children.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed on December 3 each year, focuses on raising awareness and advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. In this context, it is crucial to recognize the often overlooked early detection of growth delays in children, as they can be indicative of various disabilities.
Growth delay in children refers to a condition where a child’s physical growth and development fall short of the expected milestones for their age. It is a significant concern that necessitates immediate attention and intervention. Identifying the signs of growth delay early on can greatly benefit children’s health, ensuring they get the necessary support and care to thrive.
6 signs of growth delays in children
1. Gross motor skills delays
- Not rolling over by 7 months: Rolling over and crawling are crucial gross motor skills typically achieved by this age.
- Not sitting independently by 10 months: Independent sitting signifies core strength and motor control.
- Not walking by 18 months: Independent walking is a major developmental milestone and a potential concern if delayed.
2. Lack of fine motor skills
- Frequent fisted position after 6 months: Prolonged fisting may indicate challenges in fine motor skill development.
- Not using a mature pincer grasp by 18 months: The pincer grasp is essential for precise hand movements.
![child game child game](https://images.healthshots.com/healthshots/en/uploads/2023/06/20103453/child-play-370x207.jpg)
3. Language and communication challenges
- No babbling, pointing, or gestures by 12 months: Early communication skills are crucial indicators of language development.
- No two-word phrases by 24 months: Language progression is closely monitored, and delays can signal potential issues.
4. Social and emotional difficulties
- Not smiling by 4 months: Social responsiveness is a key aspect of emotional development.
- Not engaging in pretend play by 24 months: Pretend play demonstrates cognitive and social growth.
- Not making eye contact: Difficulty making eye contact during interactions is a well-known sign.
Also read: How to identify autism early to avoid complications?
5. Behavioral and attention issues
- Showing aggression: Persistent behavioral challenges, such as extreme tantrums or aggression.
- Demanding attention all the time: Difficulty sustaining attention or focusing on tasks appropriate for their age.
6. Learning difficulties
- Not able to learn things: Struggles with basic concepts like numbers, letters, or colors.
- Struggle to follow instructions: Challenges in understanding and following instructions.
![Child with growth delays Child with growth delays](https://images.healthshots.com/healthshots/en/uploads/2023/11/02073721/girl-eating-food-370x207.jpg)
What can parents do about it?
- Track developmental milestones: Regularly observe and document your child’s developmental progress.
- Discuss concerns with the pediatrician: Use vaccination visits to address both physical growth and developmental milestones.
- Avoid drawing conclusions: Consult the pediatrician before making assumptions about potential developmental issues.
Also read: Have children with special needs? Here are 5 ways in which you can cope with them
What can pediatricians do?
- Display developmental milestones: Provide educational materials to inform parents about expected developmental stages.
- Routine checks during visits: Consistently assess both physical growth and developmental milestones during well visits.
- Initiate early intervention: If red flags are identified, prioritize early intervention and conduct thorough evaluations.
While regular check-ups with pediatricians are crucial to monitor a child’s growth trajectory, parents and caregivers should also be attentive in noting signs that may indicate potential growth delays.
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