Spotting Early Signs of Developmental Delays & When to Consider Early Intervention
As parents, you know your child best, and it’s natural to wonder if they are hitting the right milestones. Developmental delays can appear in areas like speech, motor skills, or social interactions, and recognizing these early signs can make a significant difference. At Encompass Family Support Services, we believe that early intervention is key to helping your child thrive. Here’s what to look for and when to seek support.
What Are Developmental Delays?
Developmental delays occur when a child doesn’t reach expected milestones in areas such as communication, physical abilities, or emotional development. While each child develops at their own pace, it’s essential to keep an eye out for signs that might suggest they could benefit from additional support. Common signs include:
Speech Delays: Difficulty babbling or forming words by certain ages.
Motor Skill Delays: Trouble with crawling, walking, or holding objects.
Social Delays: Limited interaction with others or lack of eye contact.
Early Signs of Developmental Delays
Below are some key signs that might indicate developmental delays at different ages:
By 6 Months: If your baby isn’t responding to sounds, smiles, or showing expressions like happiness or surprise, this may indicate a delay. Babies typically engage with their environment by this age, reacting to sounds and attempting early communication.
By 12 Months: A lack of babbling, gestures like pointing, waving, or clapping could suggest a delay. Babies at this stage usually show curiosity about their surroundings and start to use simple gestures to communicate their needs and interests.
By 2 Years: Not using two-word phrases like “want juice” or “big truck,” or difficulty following simple instructions, could be a sign of a delay. By this age, toddlers typically start combining words and should understand basic commands like “sit down” or “come here.”
When to Consider Early Intervention
If you observe any of these signs, it may be time to consider an early intervention assessment. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, but recognizing these early indicators allows you to take action and provide the support they need.
If you're unsure whether your child is on track, you can take our milestone questionnaire to find out. This tool helps you assess your child’s progress based on their age and identifies whether early intervention might be beneficial.
How We Can Help You!
At Encompass Family Support Services, we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for resources, screenings, or guidance, our team is dedicated to providing the best care for your child.
If you're concerned about your child’s development or they appear to be behind on key milestones, please request a free screening. We’re here to help your child reach their full potential through early intervention.
