Understanding Developmental Delays in Infants and Children
What Are Developmental Delays?
Developmental delays are when a child does not achieve developmental milestones within the typical time range. These delays can occur in areas including motor skills, speech, and social interactions. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), developmental delays affect approximately 17% of children under the age of 18.
Who Is Affected?
Developmental delays can affect any child, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Early identification is crucial for effective intervention.
Signs of gross motor delay include:
- Difficulty rolling over, crawling, sitting up, or walking
- Appearing clumsy
- Having trouble walking up and down stairs
- Frequently falling or tripping
Delayed Crawling & Walking
Pediatric physical therapy for delayed crawling and walking focuses on enhancing motor skills, strengthening muscles, and improving coordination. Here are some common approaches:
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Goal Setting: Establishing specific, measurable goals based on the child’s needs.
Treatment Techniques:
- Strengthening Exercises: Targeting core, hip, and leg muscles to support crawling and walking.
- Mobility Activities: Encouraging movements like rolling, reaching, and sitting to promote muscle use.
- Balance Training: Activities that improve stability, such as standing on one leg or using balance beams.
- Facilitating Crawling: Techniques like tummy time, encouraging the child to reach for toys, or using crawling aids.
- Walking Assistance: Using push toys or gait trainers to encourage walking with support.
