Recognising Developmental Delays

Children develop at different speeds, and sometimes a child takes longer than usual to learn certain skills. A developmental delay is not a judgement; it simply means a child may need extra support. Noticing concerns early can help a child get help sooner.

• Movement: delayed sitting, standing or walking; seeming unusually floppy or weak; difficulty using hands for simple tasks
• Speech and communication: very few words for age; not responding consistently to their name; difficulty understanding simple instructions
• Social and play: limited eye contact or interaction; little interest in playing with others; not copying simple actions or gestures
• Learning and daily skills: trouble feeding or chewing for age; difficulty with simple routines; needing much more help than expected

Losing previously learned skills should always be discussed with a doctor.

• A child loses skills they had already learned
• Progress stops for a long time
• Concerns appear in several areas at once
• You feel something is not right, even if you are unsure