Question
What are developmental delays?
Answer
A developmental delay is when a child does not reach his or her developmental milestones at the expected times. Developmental milestones are the set of functional skills or age-specific tasks that most children can do at a certain age range.
For example, what are some of the developmental milestones children should reach by two years of age? Let's look at cognitive milestones. By the age of two, the child should be able to find objects even when hidden under two or three covers, begin to sort by shapes and colors, and begin make-believe play. Looking at language development, most toddlers can say up to 50 or even more words by age of two. The child is starting to combine simple two-word sentences, such as baby crying or more please. Looking at physical development, by the age of two, the child is able to pull or carry toys when walking behind them, throw and kick a ball, and climb on playground or furniture.
A developmental delay is an ongoing major or minor delay in the process of development. Delays can occur in one or many areas, for example, gross or fine motor, language, social, or thinking skills.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Working with Children with Disabilities: Inclusion Works!, in partnership with Region 9 Head Start Association, presented by Piret Leonetti, EdD.
