Sometimes, unavoidable delays or challenges can signal the need for extra support. As a parent, wondering if your child is just developing a little differently, or if professional help can assist makes sense. Early recognition may help utilize extra support strategies to help children acquire the skills necessary to succeed at home, school, or in their relationships. Child development therapy can help achieve that.
Recognizing Delays in Core Developmental Skills
Having difficulty achieving important milestones is one of the most apparent signs that your child may need developmental support. There is a general timeline for when a child should roll over, crawl, sit, walk, and begin to talk. Minor delays are expected, but professional support may be needed when the delays are bigger. For example, discussing the matter with a pediatrician may be warranted if a child is 18 months and walking is still challenging or if a two-year-old is still using no words.
When There Is Little Attempt at Communication
Communication involves more than spoken language. It includes gestures and movements. If a child shows little interest in back-and-forth exchanges, makes few attempts to imitate sounds, or seldom points to things, more help is needed. These intervention efforts help develop verbal and other skills to meet and socialize with others.
Development Through Play
There is a saying that describes children’s play as the “work of children.” Through play, children acquire the skills of problem solving, imagination and social interaction. A child that shuns toys and struggles with pretend play or other activities that are appropriate for their age, might be experiencing some developmental struggles. Many child therapists understand and use this and develop their own strategies that are play based to build these skills.
Lack of Interest in Social Interaction
Most children are social and seek connection with others, and even timid children enjoy some interaction with parents and other close family members. Signs, such as absence of group play, lack of interest in friendships, and withdrawal from family activities, are concerning. These behaviors can result from social-emotional developmental delays and can be improved with focused early intervention. These are things therapy will help build in children.
Regression of Skills
For parents, one of the biggest red flags is when a child seems to lose previously acquired skills. For example, when a child stops speaking, loses the ability to self-care, or seems to forget skills, there could be regression. It is worrisome, and a child’s regression should be addressed and evaluated promptly.
Behavioral and Emotional Challenges
Mood swings, irritability, and tantrums are a normal part of childhood. However, when they are extreme, frequent, and impact a child’s daily life, they may signify a more serious underlying emotional or developmental issue. Children may also act out when they are unable to effectively communicate their needs, or when they are in overwhelming sensory or social situations. Therapies focused on the child’s needs can address emotional regulation and resilience.
Motor Skill Challenges
Motor development is also a primary area of concern. Gross motor difficulties could look like a child having trouble walking, running, and balancing. On the other hand, fine motor delays can be seen when a child is holding a crayon, stacking blocks, or using utensils. Motor skills support a child’s independence and self-care routines, so there is a need to enhance therapy in maintaining coordination and confidence.
Struggles With Following Directions or Learning
At school or home, a child can show difficulties listening, concentrating, or even completing basic steps in a task. When the schoolwork begins to fall behind, even though help is offered, it sometimes results from underdeveloped abilities. These could be in attention, language, or higher-order thinking. Uncovering these challenges at an early age permits the creation of specific response measures to make learning a little easier.
Changes in Daily Habits
Sleep, appetite, or self-care activities being performed in a post-traumatic or abrupt manner could contain a signal for a potential developmental or psychological issue. For example, a child suddenly loses the ability to sleep throughout the night or resists some activities that were once loved.
Why Developmental Therapy Matters
Instead of simply concentrating on the individual areas of difficulties, developmental therapy seeks to integrate the various gaps, including cognitive, language, social-emotional, and motor skills. Holistic treatment aims to help a child build the necessary skills for success today and for years to come. Because children learn best when engaged in play, and because we aim to make therapy feel integrated into a child’s life, we base therapy as much as possible on the interests of the child and activities that involve the whole family. The aim is to make therapy feel integrated into a child’s life.
Developmental Therapy FAQs
What happens during a developmental therapy session? What do you do?
Therapy sessions often consist of play, activities, and exercises designed to be fun and interactive and meet the child’s needs. Parents usually participate so that the strategies are reinforced during the week.
What is the youngest age you accept for developmental therapy?
There are no minimum age criteria. If there are developmental concerns, toddlers can be included in early intervention strategies, and research suggests that the earlier these strategies are implemented, the better the outcome.
How long do you provide therapy?
This is based on the individual needs and goals of each child. Some children might only need a few months of therapy and others might need more extended therapy. Parents are included in the process of assessing each child.
Therapy is only for children with a diagnosis, correct?
This is a common misconception. Children also benefit from developmental therapy when there is no formal diagnosis, especially when there are language, movement, social skills, or emotional control challenges.
I’m not sure if my child needs therapy or just needs some time.
If you are observing delays or patterns of difficulty impacting daily activities, having an assessment is a good idea. Specialists can ascertain if your child needs more time or therapy.
Moving Forward With Confidence
Parenting involves a never-ending series of questions, with wondering whether your child’s development is on the right path being one of the most common. Remembering that noticing possible signs early doesn’t indicate something is “wrong,” it simply means your child might need additional support. With the proper techniques, direction, and positive reinforcement, children can acquire the tools necessary to thrive in all areas of life.
