Potential Warning Signs of Developmental Delays
Grow Learning Centre's model provides individually designed intervention programs for children ages six weeks to six years who have been diagnosed with developmental disabilities. We know empirically that early intervention maximizes a child’s potential to grow successfully into childhood, adolescence, and to a fulfilling adult life.
By identifying any potential delays early on in childhood, we can address normal developmental milestones that have been challenged by their identified disabilities. According to the Arkansas Child Development and Early Learning Standards, the following warning signs may be indicative of developmental delays in children.
Potential Warning Signs of Social & Emotional Developmental Delay
By 9 months
- Child doesn't play games involving back and forth play
- Child doesn't respond to his or her own name
- Child doesn't seem to recognize familiar people
By 18 months
- Child doesn't point to show things to others
- Child doesn't notice or mind when a parent or familiar adult leaves or returns
By 3 years old (36 months)
- Child doesn't understand simple instructions
- Child doesn't play pretend or make-believe
- Child doesn't want to play with other children or with toys
- Child doesn't make eye contact
By 4 years old (48 months)
- Child shows no interest in interactive games or make-believe
- Child ignores other children
- Child doesn't respond to people outside the family
By 5 years old (60 months)
- Child doesn't show a wide range of emotions
- Child shows extreme behavior (unusually fearful, aggressive, shy or sad)
- Child is unusually withdrawn and not active
- Child is easily distracted, has trouble focusing on one activity for more than 5 minutes
- Child doesn't respond to people or responds only superficially
- Child doesn't play a variety of games and activities
Potential Warning Signs of Physical Developmental Delay
By 9 months
- Child doesn't bear weight on legs with support
- Child doesn't sit with help
- Child doesn't transfer toys from one hand to the other
By 18 months
- Child can't walk
- Child doesn't point to show things to others
By 3 years old (36 months)
- Child falls down a lot or has trouble with stairs
- Child drools or has very unclear speech
- Child loses skills he or she once had
By 4 years old (48 months)
- Child can't jump in place
- Child has trouble scribbling
- Child resists dressing, sleeping, and using the toilet
- Child loses skills he or she once had
By 5 years old (60 months)
- Child doesn't draw pictures
- Child can't brush teeth, wash and dry hands, or get undressed without help
- Child loses skills he or she once had
Potential Warning Signs of Language Developmental Delay
By 9 months
- Child doesn't babble ("mama," "baba," "dada")
- Child doesn't respond to own name
By 18 months
- Child doesn't gain new words or doesn't have at least 6 words
By 3 years old (36 months)
- Child doesn't speak in sentences
- Child doesn't understand simple instructions
By 4 years old (48 months)
- Child doesn't follow 3-part commands
- Child doesn't understand "same" and "different”
- Child doesn't use "me" and "you" correctly
- Child doesn't speak clearly
By 5 years old (60 months)
- Child can't give his or her first and last name
- Child doesn't use plurals or past tense properly
- Child doesn't talk about daily activities or experiences