Suspect a Delay?
Every baby is different, which means every developmental journey is unique! Baby may seem to have no problem meeting some milestones on time, while others may be a little more difficult, and that’s ok. It’s important to notice when this happens and reach out to a healthcare provider early, because they’ll be able to provide the support Baby needs to stay on track!
If you have concerns about Baby’s development, there are lots of options from free screenings to contacting your state’s early intervention office.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Reach out to a Healthcare Provider
If you suspect Baby may be experiencing a delay, you should always speak to a healthcare provider about your concerns. You can do this during a well-baby visit or schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.
How to Prepare for a Well-Baby Visit
Types of Healthcare Providers
Next Steps
Once you’ve spoken with a healthcare provider about your concerns, they usually won’t provide a diagnosis right away; they will do tests and evaluations to determine what may be going on with baby’s development, they may refer you to a specialist or different type of healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment or they may tell you to wait and see if the delay is resolves. Here are the next steps to take.
If Healthcare Provider Gives Diagnosis
If they provide a diagnosis, it’s important to also get information on:
A course of treatment. Make sure to listen to their recommendations for treatment to help determine what is best for Baby.
Support groups. For specific diagnoses, there are often support groups (such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association). These support groups will connect you with families that have similar diagnoses. Support groups can be a great, lifelong source to ask questions and navigate difficult situations.
Making accommodations at school. As your child approaches school age (or if they are already in school), it’s important to work with their school to make sure accommodations are made to help them get the most out of their education. Work with your child’s school to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to ensure they receive accommodations and any needed services.
If Healthcare Provider Says "Wait and See"
Sometimes children outgrow developmental delays, and just need a little more time than other children. This can cause healthcare providers to tell parents to wait and see if the delay goes away.
We understand this can be frustrating to hear. If you want to do more to support Baby during this waiting period, you have options, including getting a second opinion and doing daily activities.
If you’d still like to see if there are ways to learn more about baby’s development, explore the content below in the section How Can I Support Baby’s Development?
How Can I Support Baby’s Development?
Trust your instincts. You know your Baby best. If you feel like there is something not right, then continue to ask questions and look for answers. There is nothing wrong with getting another opinion or having your child screened.
Obtain a free screening at a therapy clinic. While children often need a referral from a doctor to get therapeutic treatment, it is possible to obtain a free screening for therapy.
These usually screen for speech, occupational, or physical therapy needs.
Screenings typically last 15-30 minutes.
Screenings do not provide answers, but they determine if a child needs a full evaluation.
After an evaluation, a therapist will recommend a course of treatment.
Contact an Early Intervention office. In the United States, there are state-funded early intervention programs. These programs provide physical, occupational, feeding, and speech therapy, as well as social work services. Early Intervention services are typically for children 0-3 years old. Every state is different, so contact your state’s program to learn more.
Learn About Your State's Program
Make sure your healthcare provider is doing the recommended developmental screenings. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
Developmental and behavioral screenings during well-baby visits at 9, 18, and 30 months.
Screenings for autism spectrum disorder at 18 and 24 months.
Don’t hesitate to follow up. Whether it’s making sure Baby gets their screenings, or getting in touch with an Early Intervention office, you may need to reach out several times to get a reply (this is not always the case, but it’s something to be prepared for). Following up can feel uncomfortable, even frustrating, but it is strongly encouraged to do this if needed.
Keep Baby active!
While you search for answers, keep Baby strong by doing games and activities. All of our games are created with and approved by expert healthcare providers to help Baby reach their milestones, so they’re a helpful tool for you to use right at home!
Keep up with Tummy Time
Try out Massage+ 30, 10, 5
Play Games with Baby
Find More Activities
It’s never too early or too late to get baby on the right pathway!