- advancedorthopedics
Developmental Delays
Do you have a son or daughter struggling to reach early childhood milestones? If so, they could be showing signs of a developmental delay.
What is Developmental Delay?
Developmental delay is diagnosed when a child struggles to perform everyday skills including motor (movement), cognitive, social and emotional, speech and language, and other daily living skills. Although any child can experience developmental delays, children with other medical conditions like cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and autism are especially susceptible.
Signs of Developmental Delay
One of the first signs of a developmental delay can be a lag in common motor milestones such as:
Holding head up by 4 months
Sitting by about 6 months
Walking by about 12 months
In the United States alone, nearly 14% of children have a developmental delay and 1 in 4 children through the age of 5 are at risk. So, what’s the solution? Physical and occupational therapy are some of the best ways to combat developmental delays.
How can Physical Therapy Help?
At Advanced Orthopedic Physical Therapy, we offer pediatric physical therapy and occupational therapy services that can help your child combat all types of developmental delays. Whether your child has difficulty with motor, cognitive, social, emotional, language, or other daily life skills, our therapists are equipped to treat children in need. Visit our website for a description of our pediatric and occupational therapy services. If you are concerned your child is showing signs of a developmental delay, we would like to offer you a free pediatric screening with one of our pediatric physical therapists.
References
Schneck, C. M. (2009). Visual Perception. Occupational Therapy Interventions: Performance Areas. Tseng, M, H., & Chow, S. M. K. (2000). Perceptual-motor function of school-age children with slow handwriting speed. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 54, 83-8 Dankert, H. L., Davies, P. L., & Gavin, W. J. (2003). Occupational therapy effects on visual-motor skills in preschool children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 57, 542-549.