While it’s true that children often develop at their own pace, there are key milestones to watch out for as your baby grows to ensure they’re on the right track. If you’ve ever wondered if your child is simply a late bloomer or if they need extra support, we’re here to help.
At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our mission is to support children in overcoming their developmental challenges to reach their full potential. Today, I want to discuss the early signs of developmental delays and how to find the help your child may need.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are specific skills or behaviors that most children can do by a certain age. These milestones are used by healthcare professionals and parents to track a child’s growth and development. They include a range of abilities such as motor skills, speech and language, social interactions, and cognitive development.
When a child is not meeting these milestones, it may be an early sign that they need additional support to reach their full potential. Different ages have their own unique milestones. It’s important to track these to ensure your child is gaining the skills they need for success in life—and to know when they might need extra support.
Examples of Developmental Milestones for a One-Year-Old
For a one-year-old, some common developmental milestones include:
- Saying single words like “mama” and “dada”
- Standing and possibly taking a few steps without holding on
- Waving “bye-bye” and shaking head “no”
- Exploring objects in different ways, like shaking, throwing, or tasting
Examples of Developmental Milestones for a Two-Year-Old
For a two-year-old, some common developmental milestones include:
- Using two- to four-word sentences
- Recognizing names of familiar people and objects
- Kicking a ball and beginning to run
- Pointing to things or pictures when they are named
Examples of Developmental Milestones for a Three-Year-Old
For a three-year-old, common developmental milestones include:
- Speaking in short sentences (three to four words)
- Following simple instructions
- Running and climbing with ease
- Playing with other children and taking turns
- Showing a wide range of emotions (happy, sad, angry)
These Milestones Also Help Parents Advocate for Their Child
Being aware of developmental milestones for your child’s age is crucial. By keeping track of which milestones your child has or has not attained, you can effectively advocate for them at school, the doctor’s office, and in other environments. This knowledge can give you a strong leg to stand on when you are seeking extra support for your child to help them succeed.
If Your Child Is Missing Multiple Milestones, Request a Referral from Your Pediatrician
If you notice your child is missing multiple milestones, you should seek a referral from your pediatrician. Pediatricians can refer children to pediatric therapy clinics like No Limits for a comprehensive evaluation. And if you run into any trouble, we can always assist you in seeking a referral to ensure your child can access the therapy services they need.
Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, call us at No Limits Pediatric Therapies at (479) 250-9838 for a free 15-minute developmental consultation. Our team can help you determine if pediatric therapy is recommended and provide the necessary support to help your child grow beyond their limitations.
About Terrica
Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
