Every child’s growth is unique, but when a child consistently falls behind expected developmental milestones, it may be a sign of a developmental delay. Understanding these delays, their causes, and how to address them is crucial for supporting your child’s well-being and future success.
At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, TX, we have experience treating a wide range of developmental concerns in children. If you have questions about your child’s progress, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Developmental delays occur when a child does not develop skills like walking, talking, or interacting with others at the expected time. These delays can affect one or more areas of development, including cognitive skills, physical growth, speech and language, emotional development, and motor skills. The term “developmental delays in children” refers to any lag in achieving milestones compared to peers in the same age group.
Delays can be temporary or ongoing, and they vary in severity. Some children catch up with their peers over time, especially with early intervention. Others may face more persistent challenges that require continued support.
Developmental delays are different from developmental disabilities, which are conditions that can last for life. Examples include permanent hearing loss or cerebral palsy.
Several types of developmental delays can impact a child’s growth:
A diagnosis of global developmental delay is given when a child exhibits significant delays in two or more developmental areas.
To explore concerns like these further, visit our childhood illnesses page, where we provide additional insights and guidance.
Developmental delays can manifest differently depending on the child and the type of delay. Here are some common signs:
Sometimes, these issues become more evident when a child begins school and falls behind academically or socially.
There are many possible causes of developmental delays, including:
Sometimes, developmental delays occur without a clear cause, which is why developmental screening is critical.
Early recognition of a delay is essential. Pediatricians typically perform regular developmental screening during well-child visits to monitor a child’s progress. If concerns arise, the child may be referred for a developmental evaluation conducted by specialists such as a developmental pediatrician or child psychologist.
Through a comprehensive assessment, experts evaluate various developmental domains to identify any significant delay and develop a personalized care plan.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the delay. Early intervention, ideally during early childhood, is associated with the best outcomes. Services may include:
At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates, we coordinate with therapy providers and schools to ensure your child receives comprehensive support.
Parents and caregivers are key to supporting child development. Most developmental delays resolve over time with the right support. Here are several ways to help your child succeed:
With access to early intervention services, most children with developmental delays make measurable gains in skill development and confidence.
Having a child diagnosed with a child’s developmental delay can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. With early detection, personalized treatment, and dedicated family support, children can make remarkable progress and reach their full potential.
If you’re noticing signs of developmental delays in your child or simply want reassurance about your child’s growth, contact Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, TX. We’re committed to working with families and specialists to foster positive outcomes for every child.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patti Savrick
