Symptoms of a Developmentally Delayed Child

About 9 percent of children under the age of 3 are diagnosed with some sort of developmental delay, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Causes include premature birth; conditions such as Down syndrome or autism; an accident; and acute illness. Often, however, developmental delays occur for no apparent reason. A problem is suspected when a child does not meet expected developmental milestones in movement, communication, social or self-help skills. Some children experience problems in all those areas, a condition known as global delay.

Gross Motor Delays

Babies should be able to roll over by 6 months, sit by 7 months, crawl by 12 months and walk by 15 months. Toddlers should be able to walk up stairs by 21 months, kick a ball by 22 months and jump by 28 months. Children who fail to meet these milestones should be evaluated for gross motor delay and possibly receive physical therapy.

Fine Motor Delays

Most babies should be able to feed themselves by 14 months and use utensils by 19 months. Most toddlers should be able to draw a line by 30 months and a circle by 32 months. By age 5, children should be able to manipulate buttons. Occupational therapy may help address fine motor delays.

Language/Communication Delays

Expressive delays occur when the child is unable to communicate using words and phrases by the age of 2. A child should be able to use at least one word by the age of 1. A 2-year-old should be able to use at least 15 words and hold a simple conversation. Receptive delays occur when children have trouble understanding what is said to them. A 6-month-old child should be able to imitate sounds; a year-old child should be able to point to an object when asked. By age 22 months, a child should be able to follow basic two-step instructions. Some children may need speech therapy to address language/communication delays.

Social Skills Delays

Infants should make eye contact with caregivers within the first month or two. Children with social skills delays may avoid making eye contact with others. Babies should smile by the age of 3 months; lack of facial expressions could indicate a problem. Toddlers should be able to engage in cooperative play by age 2.

Self-Help Skills Delays

Typically, children should be potty trained by the age of 3. If they still are not by age 4, self-help skills may be a problem. By age 2, a toddler should be able to remove one item of clothing; by age 5, children should be able to dress themselves.

Getting Help

Each state in the United States is required to offer early intervention services to children under the age of 3 who have been diagnosed with a developmental delay. Parents should consult their pediatrician or contact their local human services department.