Support Needs of Kids With Developmental Issues

Every child has unique needs and issues. Some children need a little more than others. Children with developmental issues and delays need special considerations and help from the people who care for them, including parents, grandparents, babysitters and teachers. Kids with developmental issues require therapies, help with various tasks and understanding as they work through their challenges.

Feeding

• Babies born prematurely can suffer developmental delays for many years. One of the first issues is feeding. When they are born prematurely, babies can lack sucking reflexes, the understanding to latch onto a nipple and the ability to swallow their food. Initially nurses and occupational therapists work with babies on their feeding problems, but eventually the responsibility passes to parents. Feeding tubes, frequent feedings, special formulas and extra time feeding may all be necessary.

Oral Motor Issues

• Some children have underdeveloped oral motor skills which make it difficult for them to eat age appropriate foods and speak clearly. Speech language pathologists and parents can lead them in special exercises, including chewing sticky, crunchy and chewing foods to help build up weak muscles. Therapeutic exercises focus on tongue and mouth movements. Parents often employ games and activities that encourage kids to move their mouth, lips and jaws in various ways.

Sensory Integration

• When a child's neural pathways haven't fully developed in parts of the brain involved in sensory intake, Sensory Processing Disorder often results. Children may be severely frightened by particular sounds, textures, smells, tastes or visual stimuli. In other cases, they may be sensory seeking and fixate on a favorite sensation. Besides comforting children and helping them to feel safe, parents can work with pediatric specialists and occupational therapists on sensory integration therapy. Children need help exploring various senses and becoming comfortable with them. Additionally, vestibular movement helps their neural pathways develop, which ultimately resolves the issues.

Language

• Developmental delays can cause kids to speak later than average and have a difficult time acquiring language. Such children may need more help learning vocabulary. Parents and caregivers can identify everyday objects and colors for children and try to get kids to name them afterwards. Educational games and activities that encourage memorization and language production can be useful. Speech language pathologists specialize in strategies to help kids work through their communicative issues.