Developmental Delay

What is Developmental Delay ?

Developmental Delay Disorder refers to a condition where a child does not reach developmental milestones at the expected times. These delays can affect one or more areas of a child’s development and may be temporary or indicate a more long-term condition such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability, or Cerebral Palsy. It is typically diagnosed in infancy or early childhood, usually before age 5.
A developmental delay means a child is behind in achieving skills that are expected for their age. These delays are categorized into five key domains:
Cognitive Skills – Thinking, learning, problem-solving
Motor Skills – Gross motor (sitting, walking) and fine motor (grasping, drawing)
Language and Speech – Understanding language, using words, forming sentences
Social and Emotional Skills – Interacting with others, managing emotions
Activities of Daily Living – Feeding, dressing, toileting

Types of Developmental Delay Disorders

Global Developmental Delay (GDD)

Delay in two or more developmental areas
Often seen in children under 5 and may lead to later diagnosis of intellectual disability

Speech and Language Delay

Most common type
Child may have trouble forming words or understanding language

Motor Delay

Late in crawling, walking, or using hands properly
Could indicate cerebral palsy or muscular issues

Social-Emotional Delay

Difficulty interacting with others or regulating emotions
May be an early sign of autism spectrum disorder

Causes and Risk Factors

Genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Fragile X)

Infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, CMV)

Environmental factors (neglect, malnutrition, toxin exposure)

Birth complications (e.g., oxygen deprivation)

Signs and Symptoms by Age

By 6 months

  1. Not responding to sounds
  2. No smile or joyful expressions
  3. Difficulty holding head up

By 12 months

  1. Not crawling
  2. No use of simple gestures (like waving)
  3. No babbling or words

By 24 months

  1. Less than 50 words
  2. Not walking independently
  3. Poor eye contact or social interaction

By 36 months

  1. Unclear speech
  2. Inability to follow simple instructions
  3. Lack of interest in other children

Prognosis

With proper therapy and family involvement, many children with developmental delays can lead independent, fulfilling lives.

Diagnosis

A pediatrician, neurologist, or developmental specialist will evaluate the child through: Developmental screening tools, Parental questionnaires and observations,  Hearing and vision tests

Why Choose Us?

At Chetna Pediatric Therapy Centre we understand that choosing the right therapy center for your child is an important decision. Here are some reasons why families trust us to provide exceptional care and support:

Expert Team

Our team consists of highly trained and experienced therapists who specialize in pediatric occupational therapy, speech therapy, and special education. With their expertise and dedication, they are committed to helping children reach their full potential.

Individualized Approach

We believe in the power of personalized care. Each child is unique, and we tailor our therapy plans to meet their specific needs and goals. By taking a customized approach, we ensure that every child receives the attention and support they deserve.

Compassionate Care

We prioritize compassion and empathy in everything we do. We understand the challenges that children and families face, and we strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Proven Results

We have helped children make significant progress in their development and achieve their therapy goals. Our track record of success speaks for itself, and we are committed to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families.

Warm and Welcoming Environment

Our therapy center is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive space where children feel comfortable and motivated to learn and grow. We create a positive and stimulating environment that fosters creativity, exploration, and progress.

Convenient Location and Flexible Scheduling

We understand that families have busy schedules, which is why we offer flexible appointment times and convenient locations to make therapy sessions more accessible for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a range of therapy services including occupational therapy ( for Kids and Adults ) speech therapy, and special education. Our team of experienced therapists provides individualized care to address the unique needs of each child and adult we serve.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, behavior, or communication skills, it may be beneficial to seek an evaluation from a qualified therapist. Signs that may indicate a need for therapy include delays in reaching developmental milestones, difficulty with daily activities, and challenges in social interactions.

We provide therapy services for individuals of all ages, from infants to adults. Our therapists have expertise in working with children and adults across the lifespan, tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of each individual.

The length of therapy sessions are 45 minutes, and the frequency of sessions may vary based on the treatment plan developed by the therapist.

Yes, we encourage parents and caregivers to be actively involved in their child’s therapy sessions. Family involvement is an important component of the therapeutic process and can help support the progress made during sessions. Our therapists provide guidance and strategies for caregivers to implement at home to reinforce skills learned in therapy.