Top Signs of Developmental Delay Parents Should Not Ignore

Every child grows and develops at their own pace. While some children may start talking earlier, others may walk a little later. Small variations are normal, but when certain developmental milestones are significantly delayed, it could be a sign of developmental delay. Recognising these early warning signs helps parents seek timely intervention, which greatly improves outcomes.

At 7 Senses Pediatric Rehabilitation Center in Ahmedabad, we specialise in supporting children with developmental challenges through personalised therapies and early intervention.

What is Developmental Delay?

Developmental delay occurs when a child does not reach expected milestones in one or more areas of development, such as:

●       Motor skills – crawling, walking, or using hands effectively

●       Language and communication – speaking, understanding, or expressing

●       Cognitive skills – problem-solving, memory, and learning

●       Social and emotional development – interacting, responding, and regulating emotions

While delays do not always indicate a permanent condition, they may point towards underlying issues such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, learning disabilities, or genetic conditions.

Top Signs of Developmental Delay Parents Should Look For

1. Delays in Motor Skills

Motor skills are divided into gross motor (big movements like walking) and fine motor (small movements like writing). Signs to watch out for include:

●       Not sitting without support by 9 months

●       Not walking by 18 months

●       Difficulty holding objects, using cutlery, or scribbling by 2–3 years

●       Poor balance or frequent falls

2. Speech and Language Delays

Children usually say their first words around 12 months and form simple sentences by 2 years. Warning signs include:

●       Not babbling by 12 months

●       Limited vocabulary by 2 years

●       Difficulty forming sentences by 3–4 years

●       Trouble following instructions or understanding questions

3. Cognitive Development Concerns

Cognitive delays affect a child’s ability to think, reason, and learn. Indicators include:

●       Struggling to remember or recognise familiar objects

●       Trouble solving simple puzzles or stacking blocks

●       Difficulty understanding cause-and-effect games

●       Slow progress in pre-academic skills like counting or recognising shapes

4. Social and Emotional Delays

Children learn to express emotions, play with peers, and build social bonds as they grow. Delays may include:

●       Limited eye contact

●       Lack of interest in playing with other children

●       Not responding to their name for 12 months

●       Difficulty expressing or understanding emotions

5. Behavioural Red Flags

Sometimes, behaviour gives the earliest clues of a developmental issue. Parents should be alert if a child:

●       Shows repetitive movements like hand-flapping or rocking

●       Gets overly distressed with changes in routine

●       Avoids touch or interaction

●       Has frequent meltdowns beyond what’s expected for their age

Why Early Intervention is Crucial

Research shows that children who receive early intervention therapy make significant improvements in communication, motor skills, and overall functioning. Therapy not only supports the child but also equips parents with strategies to continue progress at home.

At 7 Senses Pediatric Rehabilitation Center, early intervention may include:

●       Occupational Therapy – to build motor and daily living skills

●       Speech Therapy – to improve communication and language

●       ABA Therapy – for behaviour and social development in autistic children

●       Core Development Program – for holistic growth in multiple skill areas

How 7 Senses Pediatric Rehabilitation Center Helps

At our child development centre in Ahmedabad, we take a personalised approach. Every child undergoes a detailed assessment, and our expert team designs a therapy plan based on their unique needs.

●       Multidisciplinary Expertise: Occupational, speech, and behavioural therapists work together.

●       Family Involvement: Parents receive training and home plans to reinforce progress.

●       Child-Friendly Environment: A safe and nurturing space for children to explore and grow.

●       Proven Results: Many children have successfully achieved milestones with our support.

FAQs About Developmental Delays

1. How can I know if my child has a developmental delay?
 If your child is consistently missing milestones or showing behavioural red flags, consult a child development specialist for an assessment.

2. Do developmental delays mean my child has autism?
 Not necessarily. Delays can be due to various reasons. An expert evaluation helps identify the cause.

3. Can children catch up after a developmental delay?
 Yes, many children improve significantly with early intervention and therapy.

4. What age is best to start therapy?
 The earlier, the better. Early intervention, especially before age 5, has the greatest impact.

5. What therapies are available for children with developmental delays?

Therapies may include occupational therapy, speech therapy, ABA therapy, and specialised programs like the Core Development Program. The right approach depends on the child’s unique needs.

Conclusion

Noticing the signs of developmental delay early can make a life-changing difference for your child. While every child develops at their own pace, consistent delays in speech, motor, cognitive, or social skills should not be ignored. With timely support from professionals, children can learn, grow, and thrive.

If you are concerned about your child’s development, reach out to 7 Senses Pediatric Rehabilitation Center today. Our dedicated team is here to guide your child toward a brighter future.



Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

10 Everyday Activities That Support Your Child’s OT Goals at Home

Image
Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children build essential skills for daily life. Whether your child is working on fine motor coordination, sensory integration, attention span, or self-care routines, OT sessions at a centre are only one part of the journey. What happens at home can significantly reinforce and accelerate progress. The good news is, you don’t need expensive tools or structured sessions to help your child thrive. Everyday activities in your home environment can be powerful tools in supporting your child’s OT goals. Here are 10 simple, effective everyday activities you can incorporate into your routine to support your child’s development at home.   1. Cooking Together in the Kitchen Involving your child in meal preparation is a fun way to improve fine motor skills, sensory processing, and sequencing. OT benefits: Stirring, kneading dough, or cutting with child-safe knives improves hand strength and coordination. Smell...
Read more

Why Early Child Development Programs Are Critical for Lifelong Learning

Image
The early years of a child’s life are more than just about cute milestones and first words. They form the base of lifelong learning, behaviour, and health. Between birth and age six, a child’s brain is developing at its fastest pace, forming neural connections that will shape how they think, feel, and interact with the world for years to come. That’s why early child development programs are not simply helpful; they’re critical. These structured, evidence-based programmes offer timely support across cognitive, physical, social, and emotional areas to ensure children reach their full potential. In India, awareness around early intervention and developmental programmes is growing, but many parents still delay seeking help until school age. This article highlights why those early years matter most, how the right development programmes make a difference, and what to look for when choosing one.   The Science Behind Early Brain Development Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain develo...
Read more

What Is ABA Therapy and How Does It Support Children with Autism?

Image
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how children communicate, interact, and respond to the world around them. For many families, navigating this journey can be overwhelming especially when trying to find the right form of therapy. One widely recognised and scientifically backed method that has helped countless children is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA therapy focuses on understanding how behaviour works, how it is affected by the environment, and how learning takes place. It is especially effective in supporting children with autism by teaching meaningful skills, improving communication, and reducing challenging behaviours through a structured, positive, and highly personalised approach. In this article, we’ll break down what ABA therapy is, how it works, and why it’s making a real difference for children with autism across India and beyond.   What Is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)? ABA is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behaviour ...
Read more