Developmental delays in a children is quite hard to detect most especially in firstborns because most likely parents won’t be having any references. Some parents are having hard times because the normal range is quite wide. They are thinking that their child is one of those that in the slower pace and will eventually keep up. It is pretty much hard for parents to admit but sometimes it takes a lot of courage to accept the truth and might as well consider seek professional help.
There are several areas to choose from when it comes to identifying developmental delays. One or two of these categories will have delays or perhaps all of it, depending on the situation.
Language or Speech – one of the reasons why parents are having a hard time detecting delays in this area is because they often baby talk. Kids like mimicking and they would most likely copy what they frequently hear. At 3 years old, your kid can supposedly talk in phrases; at 4 they should be able to talk in sentences of more than three words and can use “me” and “you” correctly; at 5 they should be able to state their own name.
Motor Skills or Movement – among the areas, delayed in motor skills can be detected easily. At three years, you kid should be able to walk or climb the stairs with ease; at four, he or she should be able to hold a crayon, ride a tricycle or perhaps jump in place; at five, he or she should be able to brush his or her teeth, wash and dry hands and can easily take off clothes.
Emotional or Social Area – just like the language or speech delays, this area is somewhat tricky to detect. Some kids are having a hard time expressing themselves and some parents might be able to see it as a delay but in fact it is just normal. This aspect is more dependent on the environment he’s in. At three, the child should be able to relate to other children and can already separate from their parents; at four, parents should be able to observe that their children is comfortable in using the toilet, dressing and sleeping; at five, kids would be able to show several kinds of emotions and can relate to other kids pretty well.
Cognitive or Thinking Area – any defect in this area are mostly likely related to genetic problems. At three, kids are supposedly interested in toys and can understand simple instructions; at four, they should be able to join fantasy play and will show interest in interactive plays as well; at five, the kid should be able to concentrate on one activity for at least five minutes and cannot be easily distracted.
If you won’t be able to observe all these things in your kids, better seek professional help so that to assess your child’s developmental delays and that appropriate therapy and treatment can be started immediately.
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David Castillo – Free Digital Photos.Net