Your child’s development depends on their ability to achieve specific milestones for movement, social skills, and more. If your child is struggling to catch up with their peers, our caring occupational therapists are here to help. Keep reading to find out what a developmental delay is, why it should be addressed, and how pediatric occupational therapy can help.
What Is a Developmental Delay?
A developmental delay is when a child does not achieve one or more developmental milestones by the time most of their peers do. These milestones include several key areas of a child’s development:
- Physical skills, such as crawling, climbing, dressing, or writing
- Cognitive skills, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving
- Speech and language skills, such as babbling, pointing, speaking, and understanding others
- Social and emotional skills such as making friends, helping others, managing their feelings, and following rules
Common Signs of Developmental Delays
Common signs of a developmental delay include:
- Trouble reading words or numbers
- Difficulty with hand-eye coordination
- Challenges with fine motor skills like writing
- Difficulty grasping toys, crayons, etc.
- Trouble differentiating between similar letters like “d” and “b”
- Struggles reaching across their body for nearby items
- Trouble communicating their ideas or understanding others
- Difficulty making friends or playing with others
- Limited range of motion, balance, or strength
- Challenges with memory, focus, or organization
How Developmental Delays Can Impact a Child’s Growth
Children with developmental delays can have a hard time learning and exploring the world around them. Depending on the specific area of delay, a child could have trouble making friends, learning new skills, moving their body how they want to, or taking care of their own needs. Not only can this affect their academic success, but it can lower their self-esteem and confidence. That’s why early intervention for sensory processing disorder is vital for your child’s overall health and wellbeing.
How Can Occupational Therapy Improve My Child’s Development?
Our pediatric occupational therapists are developmental experts. We use proven therapeutic exercises, techniques, and activities to help children build up their developmental skills for success in life. We can also give you tips and activities you can do at home with your child to help them continue working on their developmental skills between therapy sessions. With our one-on-one treatment and your support, we can work together to help your child become more confident and independent.
Benefits of Pediatric Occupational Therapy for Developmental Delays
If your child is struggling to achieve their developmental milestones, occupational therapy can give them the tools they need for success. This can lead to other incredible benefits such as:
- Stronger communication skills
- Better relationships with family and friends
- Increased attention span and memory
- Improved academic performance
- Better ability to follow directions
- Reduced risk of injury and clumsiness
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- More independence
- Improved quality of life
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation
Pediatric Therapy Partners has clinics in Bossier and Shreveport, LA, to meet your family’s needs. All you have to do is call us at (318) 746-1199 or fill out the contact form below and our Intake Coordinator will help you schedule your child’s speech therapy evaluation.