How to tell if my toddler has a developmental delay?
Developmental delay means a child has not reached certain milestones. They may be minor (slight delay in one or few areas) or global (overall delay in many areas).
Developmental delay is often unseen. An invisible disability. Or just a slight lag in development.
Maybe you were very “on the ball” when it came to your baby’s development but now that the baby has become a toddler it’s harder to understand if they are developing correctly.
You are your toddler’s most powerful advocate
You mama need to know this and also why you (yes you!) are your toddler’s most powerful advocate when it come to development:
- Our toddlers aren’t being checked properly for developmental delay: Only 1 in 5 parents were asked screening questions about their child’s development by a healthcare provider during the previous year.
2. When we are asked these screening questions, health care providers rely heavily on whether you have concerns about your toddlers development
3. A delay in toddlerhood doesn’t have to always mean a developmental or learning disability later on.
4. Early intervention:
Therapy can dramatically influence or change your toddlers development if started early. The sooner the better!
5. We are being hugely underserved:
It is estimated that 15% of toddlers in the United States have at least one developmental delay. However less than one-fifth of those children receive early intervention services before age 3.
What is a red flag for developmental delay?
When we say a certain behaviour or action is a “red flag” it means that it points towards a possible developmental delay.
If we notice that one of these red flags fits for your toddler’s development, it is important to seek early intervention services.
I’m a preschool teacher and I see children with delays or need extra help. It is so frustrating to not be able to get the children evaluated and start on early intervention. Pediatricians don’t seem concerned and don’t help parents find good help early. We have so many children who need help but it just always gets dragged out until kindergarten. Any advice?