Developmental Milestones for a young child are an Important Way to see how a child is Growing, Developing, and Learning. If there are delays with these developmental milestones it is critical for a child's caregivers to let their pediatrician know so the pediatrician can determine if there is cause for further evaluations or medical referrals and if early intervention services (occupational, physical, speech therapy) should be provided to help the child.
Here are some Resources:
CDC-ACT EARLY!!!! (This is the most important thing you can do-don't wait).
CDC Milestones MAP-Act Early if you have Concerns. There is Help for your Child.
CDC Act Early Milestones Check List
University of Michigan's Developmental Milestone Guide for Parents
Often times, when a child is delayed friends and family may say that the skill will come in time, or that another relative didn't talk until they were 3 or 4. Yet, wouldn't you want to help you and your child avoid the frustration you are are going through and also get a head start on trying to get help if there is something that can be done to make things easier for your child? Also, if there is a reason for the delays, wouldn't you want to know why and start addressing the reason immediately instead of continuing to wonder and worry? Only you are your child's best advocate, and while your friends and family just want to comfort you and put your mind at ease, you're only doing you and your child a disservice by waiting. It's critical time that's being lost. Research has proven that the earlier a child receives therapy, there is often a greater potential for a better outcome due to the plasticity of the brain (especially during the ages of birth to three).
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