Early Signs of Developmental Delays: Parents, Here’s What to Look For

Welcoming a child into the world is filled with joy and hope, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their well-being and healthy development. Each child is unique and develops at their own pace. Understanding typical developmental milestones can help you support your child effectively, while also being mindful of any early warning signs that may need attention.

According to the NHS, approximately 1 in 12 children in the UK have developmental delays that may require early identification and intervention which are crucial in improving outcomes for children with developmental delays.

This blog aims to provide helpful insights, reassuring information, and practical strategies to support your child’s growth every step of the way.

Key Developmental Milestones and Early Warning Signs

Children reach milestones such as crawling, walking, and talking within general age ranges. It’s perfectly normal for children to reach these milestones at different times. Here are some key areas of development, with gentle reminders to keep in mind:

Physical Development:

• By 6 Months: Babies typically begin to sit without support. You can encourage this milestone by providing a safe space for your baby to practice sitting up, perhaps with some favourite toys nearby.

• By 12 Months: Many babies start taking their first steps with support. Celebrate these little victories by creating opportunities for your baby to explore their surroundings safely.

Cognitive Development:

• By 9 Months: Babies often track objects with their eyes and respond to familiar faces. Engage them with colourful toys and make eye contact to encourage their interaction with the world around them.

• By 18 Months: Children usually follow simple instructions and show curiosity about their environment. You can foster this by reading stories together and exploring new activities that spark their interest.

Communication Development:

• By 12 Months: Babies begin babbling and making simple sounds. Support their language development by reading books, singing songs, and responding warmly to their attempts at communication.

• By 24 Months: Toddlers typically use two-word phrases to express themselves. Encourage their language skills through daily conversations, describing activities, and asking simple questions.

Social and Emotional Development:

• By 12 Months: Babies often enjoy games like peek-a-boo and show interest in other children. Encourage social interactions by arranging playdates or simply playing together.

• By 24 Months: Toddlers start showing empathy and understanding basic emotions. Support their emotional growth with lots of hugs, comfort, and opportunities to express their feelings.

Early Warning Signs: What to Watch For

While every child is different, being aware of certain early warning signs can help you seek support early on. Remember, noticing these signs doesn’t mean there’s a serious issue, but it’s always good to be informed. Here are some gentle signs to keep an eye on and when you see it, it would be better to monitor your children and eventually discuss it with a professional to help you understand the next steps.

• If your baby doesn’t seem to notice sounds or voices by 6 months or struggling to sit without support by 9 months

• If your baby doesn’t engage in games like peek-a-boo or isn’t babbling or making sounds by 12 months

• While some children take their first steps later, there are some who struggle to walk by 18 months and also struggle with understanding simple requests

• If your child isn’t using simple two-word sentences, seems disconnected, or doesn’t show affection, emotions, or empathy by 24 months

Practical Strategies for Supporting Development

Supporting your child’s development can be simple and enjoyable. Here are some practical tips and activities to incorporate into your daily routine:

Interactive Play:

• Using Songs and Rhymes: Incorporate songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and "The Wheels on the Bus" to promote language skills. Singing encourages listening and mimicking sounds, which are crucial for speech development.

• Playing Peek-a-Boo: This simple game helps with social engagement and emotional bonding. It teaches children about object permanence and social interaction.

• Outdoor Exploration: Take walks, visit parks, or simply explore your garden. Outdoor play promotes physical activity and sensory development.

Patience in Communication:

• Waiting for Responses: Allow your child 5 to 10 seconds to respond after asking a question. This gives them time to process and articulate their thoughts, which is essential for language development.

Engaging in Routine Activities:

• Bath Time Play: Use bath time to talk about body parts, sing songs, and play with water toys. This makes learning interactive and fun.

• Grocery Shopping: Involve your child in simple tasks like picking items or naming fruits and vegetables. This enhances vocabulary and cognitive skills.

• Creative Play: Use art supplies, building blocks, or simple puzzles to enhance fine motor skills and creativity. Play is a wonderful way to learn!

• Daily Routines: Establish simple routines for meals, naps, and bedtime. Consistent routines provide comfort and security, helping your child feel safe and supported.

Case Study: Early Intervention Success

Emily, a 2-year-old, showed delays in speech development and social interaction. Her parents, noticing that Emily was not combining words and seemed less interested in playing with other children, took proactive steps to seek assistance.

Initial Assessment and Referral: Emily’s parents consulted their GP, who referred them to a community speech and language service. Here, Emily underwent a thorough assessment to identify her specific developmental needs.

Therapeutic Intervention: Emily began weekly sessions with a speech therapist who specialised in early childhood communication. These sessions focused on:

• Speech Exercises: Fun activities to improve articulation and phonetic skills, such as singing songs and playing with sound toys.

• Language Development: Interactive games and picture-based exercises to boost vocabulary and comprehension, using colourful books and simple storytelling.

• Social Skills: Role-playing and playdates with other children to encourage social interaction, helping Emily build friendships and learn social cues.

Home-Based Strategies: Emily’s parents played a crucial role in her development by incorporating structured activities into their daily routine:

• Morning Songs and Rhymes: Emily’s day started with singing nursery rhymes and action songs, such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” to stimulate language acquisition.

• Interactive Playtime: Activities like building blocks and playing with dolls were used to encourage communication and social interaction.

• Structured Story Time: Reading books together helped Emily develop listening skills and expand her vocabulary.

Progress and Results: Through consistent intervention and supportive strategies, Emily showed significant progress within six months:

• Speech Improvement: Emily began combining words into short phrases and using clearer speech sounds, such as “more juice” or “big truck.”

• Social Interaction: She started initiating play with other children, responding to social cues, and showing a genuine interest in making friends.

• Parental Engagement: Emily’s parents felt more confident in supporting her development, using the techniques and activities they learned during therapy sessions.

Celebrating your child’s milestones and supporting their growth is a journey filled with joy and learning. By staying informed, being patient, and embracing your child’s unique path, you create a nurturing environment where they can thrive. Remember, every child is different, and your love, support, and encouragement are the most important factors in their development.

UK Resources and Support

Several UK-based charities and organisations are dedicated to supporting children with developmental needs:

• The Communication Trust: Provides guidance and resources for children with speech, language, and communication needs.

• I CAN: Offers tools and support for parents navigating speech and language development challenges.

• Afasic: Supports families affected by speech and language impairments with information and advocacy services.

• Contact: Provides advice and support for families with disabled children, including those with developmental concerns.

• National Autistic Society: Offers resources and support for families affected by autism spectrum disorders.