Identifying and dealing with your child's developmental delay

The process of identifying your child’s developmental delays, obtaining a diagnosis, researching the route which is best for your child and then securing that programme can be difficult and overwhelming.

Parents often become aware of the fact that something just “isn’t right” with their child but decide to wait to see if they will “grow out of it”. Nearly all parents are told by friends, family and even professionals to “wait another six months”. If this is the case, we urge you to follow your instincts and take a proactive approach to seeking answers. Early intervention provides the highest outcomes of success and a good programme can often result in your child moving towards becoming indistinguishable from their peers.

There are many different symptoms to a developmental delay. A few key characteristics to look for include, but are not limited to:

• Delayed development of language
• Loss of language
• Odd or repetitive speech patterns
• Lack of interest in other people and/or environmental surroundings
• Repetitive body movements
• Poor motor skills
• Overly strong attachment to certain items and routines
• Lack of eye contact
• Not responding to their own name
• Faddy eating
• Faddy sleeping
• Strong interests and fascinations with limited items and objects
• ‘good baby’ syndrome
• A struggle with sharing
• Frustration and / or aggression 
• Struggle with following instructions

Your child may have one or more of these symptoms. Some children have great social motivation and love affection which is why their parents and family doubt the developmental delay.

Each of these symptoms can range from mild to severe and will present differently in each child.

If your child is exhibiting any of the red flags listed above, it is recommended you meet with a behaviour analyst. They can provide you with an unbiased and professional opinion and can give you some immediate recommendations to begin addressing struggles whilst you seek a diagnosis.

The process of diagnosis can take a long time but you don’t have to wait for an official diagnosis to begin seeking professional help for your child. Verbal Behaviour has been proven to be the most effective intervention for those with autism and developmental delays. Verbal Behaviour is successful with all populations and even promotes language for typically developing children. It can prevent the full onset of autism and developmental delays in babies who are “at risk” of developing autism or a developmental disorder and infants who are displaying worrying signs. It will teach individuals who have limited or no spontaneous language as well as decrease inappropriate behaviours to facilitate learning. Verbal Behaviour has been shown to have dramatic results in all individuals who struggle with language, social and behaviour, from babies with worrying signs, children with autism through to adults with stroke or acquired head trauma.

It is never too early to start teaching your child language. It is also never too late to make a significant impact with language and learning.