Characteristics of a Developmentally Delayed Child

Children are considered to be developmentally delayed when they do not reach typical milestones within the acceptable time frame. Developmentally delays may occur as the result of congenital issues such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome or mobius syndrome. They may also occur as the result of prematurity or maternal drug and alcohol abuse. Many children with autism also experience developmental delays. Some developmental delays occur without known reasons.

Language Delay

• Most children are saying at least one word by their first birthdays, and most can can sting three or four words together to make a sentence by the age of 3. If a child is unable to do this, a language delay may be present.

Gross Motor Delay

• Most children can kick a ball, throw a ball and catch a ball well before entering kindergarten. If a child is unable to do these actions, a gross motor delay may be present.

Fine Motor Delay

• A child should be able to pick up small objects by the age of 1 and be able draw simple shapes by the age of 3. Also, children should be able to maneuver buttons and zippers before entering kindergarten. If a child cannot complete these tasks, a fine motor delay may exist.

Self-Help Delay

• Children should be able to wash their hands by the age of 3 and should be able to use the toilet by the age of 4. Children who have not reached these milestones may have a self-help delay.

Social Skills Delay

• Typically, most children are able to play cooperatively by about the age of 3, and they should be able to participate in a two-way conversation by this time as well. If not, the child may have a social skills delay.

Global Delay

• A global delay may exist when a child exhibits delays in most or all of the previously mentioned types of delays.