Definition

Developmental milestone delay occurs when a child doesn’t reach expected developmental milestones within the typical age range.

Types

• Gross Motor Delay (e.g., sitting, walking)
• Fine Motor Delay (e.g., grasping, writing)
• Language Delay (e.g., speaking, understanding)
• Cognitive Delay (e.g., problem-solving, memory)
• Social-Emotional Delay (e.g., interacting, emotional regulation)

Causes

• Premature birth
• Genetic conditions (e.g., Down syndrome)
• Neurological disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy)
• Sensory processing issues
• Environmental factors (e.g., neglect, trauma)

Signs

• Missing milestones (e.g., no crawling by 12 months)
• Regression or loss of skills
• Delayed response to sounds or voices
• Difficulty with problem-solving or learning
• Social withdrawal or avoidance

Diagnosis

• Developmental screening
• Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
• Observation and assessment tools (e.g., Denver II)

Interventions

• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Physical Therapy (PT)
• Speech Therapy
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Parent-child interaction therapy

Om Sai Child Development Center’s Approach

• Multidisciplinary team (Pediatrics, OT, PT, Speech)
• Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis
• Individualized treatment plans
• Family-centered care and education
• Ongoing monitoring and adjustments

Strategies for Parents/Caregivers

• Encourage play and exploration
• Provide sensory experiences
• Practice language and communication
• Model social skills and interactions
• Stay informed and connected

Resources

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

Developmental Milestones

Infancy (0–12 months)

• Smiling (2 months)
• Rolling over (4–6 months)
• Sitting up (6–7 months)
• Crawling (7–10 months)
• Standing (9–12 months)

Toddlerhood (1–3 years)

• Walking (12–14 months)
• Pointing (12–18 months)
• Saying first words (12–18 months)
• Imitating gestures (12–18 months)
• Playing with toys (12–24 months)

Early Childhood (4–6 years)

• Drawing simple shapes (3–4 years)
• Using simple sentences (3–4 years)
• Showing interest in reading (4–5 years)
• Cooperating with others (4–5 years)
• Demonstrating empathy (5–6 years)

Note: Every child develops at their own pace. If concerned about your child’s development, consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional.