|  | Family Health | Childrens Health

How to Deal With Significant Developmental Delay

Developmental delay is when a child fails to reach standard developmental milestones within a certain age range. Generally, these milestones fall into the categories of gross motor, fine motor, language, cognitive and social development. For instance, if a child is not able to hold his head steady while sitting or to roll over by the age of six months, he displays a significant developmental delay with gross motor skills. Both genetic and environmental factors can affect development and it is important to know how to deal with significant developmental delay.

Things You'll Need

  • List of Standard Developmental Milestones
  • Regular Pediatrician Appointments
  • Developmental Screening
  • Developmental Assessment from Your School System (can be done before child is school-aged)
  • Early Intervention Program
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  • IEP Transition Plan
  • Copy of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Show More

Instructions

  1. How to Deal with Significant Developmental Delay

    • 1

      Read about the key developmental milestones for a child from age 0 to 3 years. Note whether your child is reaching these milestones.

    • 2

      Keep regular pediatrician appointments for your child. Her doctor will be able to screen her if he suspects a developmental delay. Share any concerns you have as well.

    • 3

      Follow any prescribed exercise programs and keep physical, occupational and speech therapy appointments if prescribed for your child.

    • 4

      Write to your school district and request an assessment of your child's development. These experts will refer you to any services that will benefit your child's development.

    • 5

      Enroll your child in your local early intervention program. Go to www.nichcy.org for state-specific information.

    • 6

      Help your school system to devise a useful Individualized Education Program (IEP) for your child. This program is also known as Special Education.

    • 7

      Assist your child in transitioning to adulthood by contributing to his IEP Transition Plan. The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition is a good resource when you are ready for this step.

Childrens Health - Related Articles