Parenting

Diagnosing developmental delays in kids

In the last few years, it seems that more and more kids are experiencing developmental challenges.

Dr. Jaime Nichols, a pediatrician at Swedish Covenant Hospital, explained that it is likely that this trend is caused by improvements in early diagnoses and recognition of symptoms, rather than more kids actually having sensory processing disorders or delays.

“Early identification of children with sensory delays is the number one way to help them cope with their conditions,” she said. “During regular check-ups, we are always looking for signs that kids are responding to sensory queues.”

Until age 3, most pediatricians look for good eye contact, responses to touch and sound, motor skills and socialization during regular exams. By age 4, they are looking for more advanced milestones, particularly in speech development.

Nichols said that if she finds that a child younger than 3 is not responding to in a normal way, she immediately refers the parents to Illinois’ Early Intervention program through Child and Family Connections, a state-wide service which facilitates evaluations, assessments and therapies for young children with, or at risk for, disabilities.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, see your pediatrician or family doctor. They are the first step in diagnosing disorders and delays, and can refer you to specialists.

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