Treatment for Developmental Delays
in Bentonville, AR
As a parent, you dream of your child thriving—socially, physically, and emotionally—right alongside their friends on the playground. If, for whatever reason, your child is taking a bit more time to reach certain developmental milestones, know that it’s okay. Every child grows at their own pace, and with a little extra support, they can catch up and shine in their own special and unique way!
What Is a Developmental Delay?
As your child grows, they will naturally discover new skills and abilities that help them shine—whether at home, in school, or anywhere their curiosity leads them.
These new skills and abilities are known as developmental milestones and are traits doctors use to track a child’s progress as they grow from one age group to the next.
According to these milestones, a developmental delay occurs when a child experiences difficulty or struggles to demonstrate mastery of a particular milestone by a certain age.
What Causes Developmental Delays?
Various factors may cause developmental delays. From family genetics and prematurity to their emotional state and environment, the cause of developmental delays varies from child to child.
Signs of Developmental Delays in Children
Common signs of developmental delays in a child as they grow may include:
4 Months
- Does not track items with his/her eyes
- Unable to roll from tummy to back and back to tummy
- Does not show the ability to hold a toy and shake it
- Does not bring hands to mouth
9 Months
- Hard time understanding “no”
- Does not look where another person points
- Has difficulty crawling and moving on their own
- Does not extend arms towards desired toys
- Does not explore objects with both hands
- Does not track items with his/her eyes 180 degrees
2-3 Years
- Inability to run and/or pedal a tricycle
- Difficulty walking up/down stairs
- Has a hard time dressing and undressing themself
- Has difficulty saying their first name and age
- Does not use a pincer grasp to pick up small items
- Does not copy simple vertical and horizontal lines
- Does not complete simple inset puzzles or copy simple
- block pattern
4-5 Years
- Hardly shows signs of general independence
- Has difficulty being understood by strangers
- Inability to uses utensils like a fork and spoon independently
- Difficulty using the toilet on his/her own
- Difficulty cutting across paper to simple shapes
- Difficulty completing simple interlocking puzzles
How Occupational and Physical Therapy Helps Children with Developmental Delays
At No Limits Pediatric Therapies, our therapists work alongside children to help them overcome any barriers to mastering key milestones.
Every child’s needs are different, and every session between a therapist and a child is catered to help meet those needs. From assistance in advancing your little one’s speech and communication skills to refining physical abilities like mobility, fine motor skills and more—our occupational and physical therapists are here to provide a space and support for your child to grow.
An Important Note About Children and Developmental Delays
Parents of children experiencing developmental delays are understandably worried about their child’s future. However, it is important to note that the developmental milestones doctors and specialists use are simply guidelines, not hard and fast rules. If your child is behind by a few weeks from one milestone to another, there may be no reason for alarm.
But if you are concerned your child may be experiencing developmental delays, the best thing to do is speak with your child’s pediatrician or one of our pediatric therapists. We’re here to support you and your child in reaching those important developmental milestones together.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Experts
If you believe your child may be struggling with a developmental delay, No Limits Pediatric Therapies can help. Fill out the form below or call us at (479) 250-9838 to schedule your free screening with our pediatric therapists today!