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Signs Your Child May Benefit From Early Intervention
As parents, watching your child grow and reach new milestones is an exciting journey—but it’s natural to wonder if they’re developing at the right pace. Every child is unique, and while development can vary, there are times when certain delays or difficulties may be early signs your child needs early intervention. These signs can be subtle or more noticeable, but recognizing them early is key to getting the right support. Early intervention services are designed to help children with developmental delays build essential skills and reach their full potential.
In this blog, we’ll highlight important signs your child needs early intervention and discuss when it may be time to reach out for professional support.
Understanding Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones are a set of skills or behaviors most children can do by a certain age. These milestones cover areas like:
- Communication (Speech & Language)
- Motor Skills (Crawling, Walking, Hand Movements)
- Social & Emotional Development
- Cognitive Abilities (Problem-solving & Learning)
While every child develops at their own pace, there are some signs that your child may benefit from early intervention if they are consistently behind in these areas.
Key Signs To Watch For
Here’s are some common signs that your child may be experiencing delays in their development:
- Communication Delays
- By 12 months: Your child isn’t babbling, using gestures like waving or responding to their name.
- By 18 months: They are not using simple words like “mama” or “dada”, or showing understanding of basic requests (e.g., “come here”).
- By 2 years: Your child isn’t combining two words to make simple sentences (e.g., “more juice”).
- Limited eye contact or difficulty engaging in social communication is also a sign to monitor.
- Gross and Fine Motor Delays:
- By 6 months: Your child struggles to hold their head up, roll over, or reach for objects.
- By 9-12 months: They are not sitting up independently, crawling, or pulling themselves to stand.
- By 18 months: Walking seems delayed, or your child is not able to use their hands to manipulate small objects (like picking up Cheerios).
- Social and Emotional Concerns:
- By 6-12 months: Your child doesn’t smile, laugh, or show interest in playing interactive games like peek-a-boo.
- By 18 months to 2 years: Your child seems uninterested in playing with other children or in mimicking adult behavior (e.g., pretending to cook with a toy stove).
- Difficulty calming down when upset or an inability to express emotions through facial expressions can also be areas of concern.
- Cognitive Delays:
- By 12-18 months: Your child isn’t interested in exploring their surroundings or doesn’t seem curious about new objects.
- By 2 years: They struggle to follow simple directions or solve basic problems (e.g., fitting shapes into a sorter).
- Behavioral Red Flags:
- Persistent issues with eating or sleeping routines.
- Excessive tantrums, especially if they seem unrelated to typical toddler frustrations.
- Sensory sensitivities, such as strong reactions to lights, sounds, or textures, may also indicate a need for support.
Why Early Intervention Matters
When to Seek Help
If you notice any of the signs your child needs early intervention, it’s important not to panic—but it’s just as important not to wait. Trust your instincts as a parent. If something feels off in your child’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals who can provide a thorough evaluation. Early intervention evaluations are often free or low-cost, and they offer valuable insight into whether your child could benefit from additional support. Recognizing the early signs your child needs early intervention can make a lasting difference in your child’s growth and success.
How to Get Started
If you’re in South Carolina and concerned about your child’s development, About Play is here to help. We provide early intervention services designed to help children reach their full potential. Contact us today to learn more about how early intervention can make a difference in your child’s life.
For more resources related to Early Intervention, the NAEYC provides guidelines as well.
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