Children develop at their own pace, but if they fail to reach developmental milestones within a normal amount of time, they may have developmental delays. The most common problems involve speech and language, motor skills, social and emotional development, and cognitive thinking. Early treatment is essential for improvement.
Every child develops at their own pace, but there are set times for a child to reach developmental milestones. If a child fails to reach a developmental milestone within a normal amount of time, she is considered to have developmental delay. The most common childhood developmental problems involve speech and language development, fine motor skills, social and emotional development, and cognitive thinking. A child who is developmentally challenged may have problems in one or more of these categories. Any child showing signs of developmental problems needs to see a doctor for treatment; children don’t just “grow out of” developmental issues.
The most common childhood developmental problems involve speech and language development. If a child does not meet milestones in this area for his or her age group, the child’s pediatrician will refer the child to a speech and language pathologist for treatment. Delays in speech and language development could be caused by hearing impairment, growing up in a bilingual home, inability to use the muscles that control speech properly, learning disabilities, or autism.
Motor skills are classified as either gross motor skills, which involve movement of the whole body, or fine motor skills, which require precise movements. The impaired development of motor skills prevents the child from moving and coordinating his body in the correct way. Common causes of motor skill delays include lack of stimulation in the child, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and a genetic defect that prevents muscles from coordinating properly. Children who have problems developing motor skills require physical therapy to improve their movements.
Problems with social and emotional skills are one of the most common childhood development problems. These problems involve a child’s inability to interact with adults or peers in a way that is appropriate for his or her age group. Developmentally delayed social and emotional skills could form because the child was neglected as a child, due to cognitive problems, or due to a pervasive developmental disorder such as autism. Early therapy is essential in treating this group of developmental problems.
Cognitive delays lead to problems with a child being able to process thoughts in a way that other children in the same age group can. A cognitive development problem could cause a learning disability. Cognitive delays could be the result of a genetic defect, gross negligence by caregivers in infancy, or medical problems during the newborn.
Childhood developmental problems require medical attention. Early treatment can improve functioning and development in cases of many problems. Pediatricians usually work with parents to find out for signs that a developmental problem may be present.
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