Learn the Signs-Act Early is the message of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the US. It’s also the message I share with families and colleagues.
CDC has a great developmental chart where you can track a child’s social-emotional, movement, fine motor, cognitive, hearing and vision, and language milestones from 3 months to 5 years of age. (The vision and hearing sections are quite limited though.) The age at which a child reaches their milestones can offer important clues regarding their development.
This video highlights the importance of keeping track of how a child moves, plays, learns, speaks, and acts.
The earlier parents and health providers recognize that a child has a delay in reaching their milestones, the more intervention can help the child reach their fullest potential. It is never too early. Parents should follow their gut, they are the expert on their child.
If one suspects a problem, or is concerned that their child is not reaching their milestones, ACT EARLY! It is critical to seek specialist advice and support immediately. According to the CDC, most often, children will not grow out of a developmental problem on their own. However, with help, they can reach their fullest potential.