Developmental Red Flags

Recognising Early Signs in Your Child's Development: When to Seek Support

Hey there, parents! Parenthood is a journey filled with joy, laughter, and, let's be real, the occasional worry. As our little ones grow, we're often left wondering, "Is this typical development?" It's natural to have these questions, and today, we're going to talk about some easy-to-spot red flags in your child's development that might indicate they could benefit from professional support from a paediatric allied health professional.

Communication Skills
Let's start with communication. By age two, most kids start putting words together, forming simple sentences that could melt any heart. But if your child isn't hitting these milestones or seems to struggle with basic communication, it might be time to chat with your General Doctor or a pediatric allied health therapist. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, around 10% of preschoolers have speech disorders that can significantly impact their social and academic success.

Movement - Fine & Gross Motor Skills
Next up, let's talk about movement. Picture your little one running around, exploring every nook and cranny of your home. It's a beautiful sight, right? But if you notice delays in their motor skills—like trouble walking, jumping, or even holding a pencil, in comparison to their same age peers—it could be a sign of a developmental delay. Studies suggest that about 5-6% of children struggle with these challenges, which could affect their performance in play, school and everyday activities.

Social & Emotional Development
Now, let's dive into social and emotional development. As parents, we want our children to thrive emotionally, forming healthy relationships and expressing their feelings. But if your child seems unusually withdrawn, has intense tantrums, or struggles to connect with others, it might be beneficial to seek support. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that early intervention in emotional development can significantly improve outcomes for children later in life.

Here's a quick reference list of red flags under each developmental area based on the Early Years Learning Framework:

Communication skills:

1. Limited or no babbling by 6 months.

2. Lack of response to sounds or voices by 9 months.

3. Not pointing or gesturing by 12 months.

4. Limited vocabulary or inability to form simple sentences by 24 months.

5. Difficulty understanding simple instructions or questions appropriate for their age.

Motor Skills:

1. Persistent difficulty sitting without support by 9 months.

2. Delayed crawling or inability to crawl by 12 months.

3. Trouble walking independently by 18 months.

4. Difficulty with fine motor skills such as holding a spoon or grasping small objects by 24 months.

5. Challenges with balance, coordination, or gross motor skills compared to peers.

Social and Emotional Development:

1. Limited or no social smiling by 3 months.

2. Lack of interest in engaging with others or acknowledging others by 6 months.

3. Little to no response to attempts at interaction or lack of social reciprocity by 12 months.

4. Extreme shyness or withdrawal in social situations.

5. Difficulty expressing emotions or regulating emotional responses, such as frequent tantrums or intense emotional outbursts.

These red flags serve as potential indicators that a child may benefit from professional support in pediatric allied health therapy. If you notice any of these signs persisting or impacting your child's development, don't hesitate to seek guidance from your doctor or experts who can provide tailored interventions and support.

So, who can provide support if you notice any of these red flags? Well, that's where pediatric allied health therapy comes in. Your GP can offer support, along with Bushkids. They can refer you to allied health therapists like play therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, etc. Inspiring Play: Play Therapy specialise in early intervention support, nurturing emotional development, and fostering relationships. By working with experienced therapists, you can equip your child with the tools they need to thrive.

Remember, as parents, we're the first line of defense when it comes to our children's well-being. Trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you have concerns about your child's development. After all, every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.

So, how will you support your child's development today?

Inspiring Play: Play Therapy Sunshine Coast