Recognising developmental delays in children: From birth to two years old

As you watch your child grow, it is important to remember that each child develops at his or her own pace, and the range of normal development is quite wide. However, it is helpful to be aware of red flags for potential developmental delays in children. These delays are significant lags in one or more areas of emotional, mental or physical growth. If your child experiences a delay, early treatment is the best way to help him or her make progress or catch up.

What are developmental delays in young children?

There are many different types of developmental delays in infants and young children. They include problems with:

• Language or speech
• Vision
• Movement ― motor skills
• Social and emotional skills
• Thinking ― cognitive skills.

Sometimes, a delay occurs in many or all of these areas. When that happens, it is called "global delay." Global delay may occur for any of the following reasons:

• A genetic or chromosomal abnormality, such as Down’s syndrome
• Foetal alcohol syndrome, caused by a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy
• Fragile X syndrome, an inherited type of condition causing intellectual disability
• Severe medical problems developing soon after birth, often associated with prematurity.

What follows are warning signs for different types of delays that may show up from infancy to age birth. You will also learn about some of the causes of developmental delays and potential treatments.

Language and speech developmental delays in children

Speech delays in toddlers are common. In fact, language and speech problems are the most common type of developmental delay. According to the NHS, five per cent of children enter school with difficulties in speech and language. Speech refers to verbal expression, including the way words are formed. Language is a broader system of expressing and receiving information, such as being able to understand directions.

Possible causes. A variety of factors may cause language and speech delays, including:

• Exposure to more than one language
• A learning disability
• A problem with the muscles controlling speech ― a disorder called dysarthria
• Hearing loss, which may occur in children who have severe middle ear infections or occur as a result of certain medications, trauma, or genetic disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders ― a group of neurological disorders that may involve impaired communication as well as impaired social interaction and cognitive skills.

Types of treatment. If your child’s doctor suspects a speech delay problem, they may refer your child to a speech and language therapist. This specialist may test your child’s hearing and use speech therapy with your child. The specialist or doctor may also suggest that you:

• Communicate more with your child - talk, sing, and encourage repetition
• Read daily to your child
• Reinforce speech and language throughout the day
• Get treatment for middle ear infections.

Warning signs of speech or language delays. Seek medical advice if your child has any of the following signs at the age that is indicated. In addition, watch for any loss of skills that have already been learned.

By three - four months, seek medical advice if your child:

• Does not respond to loud noises
• Does not babble
• Begins babbling but does not try to imitate sounds (by four months).

By seven months, seek medical advice if your child:

• Does not respond to sounds.

By one year, seek medical advice if your child:

• Does not use any single words (like "mama").

By two years, seek medical advice if your child:

• Cannot speak at least 15 words
• Does not use two-word phrases without repetition; can only imitate speech
• Does not use speech to communicate more than immediate needs.