Each child grows and develops differently. It's important for parents to track their child's development to quickly identify any potential growth issues. The sooner a developmental disorder is detected, the more effective the treatment will be.

Types of Developmental Disorders in Children

Recognizing the types and symptoms of developmental disorders is essential for parents. Some disorders may persist long-term, affecting the child’s quality of life. Types of developmental disorders in children include:

Motor disorders

Motor disorders can involve both gross and fine motor skills. Fine motor skills involve small muscle movements and hand-eye coordination, such as holding objects or using a pencil. Gross motor skills, on the other hand, involve larger muscle groups, like jumping, climbing stairs, and throwing a ball.

A child with healthy motor development typically lifts their head by 3 months, sits by 6 months, and walks before 2 years of age. By age 5, they can stand on one leg and use utensils like spoons and forks. If your child does not show these milestones, it's wise to consult a developmental expert.

Some warning signs of motor disorders include:

• Weakness or limpness in the body and limbs
• Limited arm and leg movements
• Inability to sit without assistance by 9 months
• Dominance of unconscious reflexes over voluntary movements
• Inability to stand or support weight on the feet by age 1

Speech and Language Disorders

Speech and language delays are common developmental issues. A speech delay means a child is not speaking as many words as expected for their age.

Language delays involve difficulty understanding others or expressing thoughts. Language skills include more than speech—they encompass gestures and writing, too.

If your child struggles to express their wants, verbally or through gestures, by 30 months, it’s important to consult a doctor.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts behavior, communication, and thought processes. Children with autism may think, move, and communicate differently than others. Autism symptoms often manifest in early childhood, characterized by delays in language and social skills.

Signs of autism to watch for include:

• Failure to turn their head when called by name
• Preference for playing alone
• Avoiding eye contact and showing few facial expressions
• Speech difficulties, including delays, abnormal tone, or repeating words
• Repetitive movements, like rocking or hand flapping
• Self-injurious activities such as biting or head banging
• Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or touch but indifference to pain or temperature

Consult a doctor if your child displays the following signs:

• Doesn’t smile or show happy expressions by 6 months
• Doesn’t imitate sounds or facial expressions by 9 months
• Doesn’t babble by 12 months
• Doesn’t gesture, such as pointing or waving, by 14 months

Causes of Child Developmental Disorders

While the exact cause is unknown, several factors contribute to developmental disorders in children, such as:

• Genetics
• Environmental factors like alcohol exposure, drug use, or lead poisoning
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Malnutrition
• Chronic health issues such as ear infections or vision problems
• Severe trauma, including child abuse

Treatments of Child Developmental Disorders

Treatment for developmental disorders varies depending on the condition and severity. Possible therapies include physical, occupational, or speech therapy, dietary changes, and surgery.

The earlier the treatment begins, the better the child’s developmental outcomes. If you have concerns about your child's development, consult a doctor or use the Ai Care app's consultation feature.

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