Developmental Delay Activities

Developmental delays are usually identified when infants and children do not reach the expected milestones. These include particular developmental markers, such as being able to sit up with support at about six months. Developmental delay is usually caused by either genetic or environmental factors. Delay may be seen in the child's fine or gross motor skills, her speech and language, learning and reasoning. or social and personal skills. Delay may be obvious in more than one of these areas.

Motor Skills

• Some children have problems threading beads on a string or with other activities involving fine motor skills. Repeating activities, such as drawing shapes with a crayon, can help this skill. The gross motor skills are involved in running, skipping and hopping. Improving these skills can be turned into a game, such as hopscotch or skipping. Playing, running with, kicking and throwing a ball will also help the child's balance and coordination.

Speech and Language Delay

• A parent or caretaker can pay constant attention to this area. Talking to the child in everyday situations will stimulate his vocabulary. An attempt should be made to answer his questions when he is showing curiosity. Reading to the child will help engage his interest in words. Illustrated story books will stimulate his imagination. A child who struggles with words and language may respond well to songs and nursery rhymes. Time in the car can be used to listen to audio books.

Learning and Reasoning

• Simple puzzles and games can be used to help a child's reasoning and learning. Small everyday opportunities for learning can include shopping, where the slightly older child can be made responsible for small purchases. Spatial awareness can be improved by asking for the child's help in figuring out the best route to the park or the store. Learning should be incoporated into daily routine, as much as possible, and practice used to reinforce what has been learned.