Developmental Milestones and What to Look for in Boise, Meridian, & Nampa, Idaho
Challenges in Sensory Processing or Modulation
- Craves increased movement, such that it impacts daily routines and activities.
- Takes excessive risks and lacks safety awareness, being impulsive
- Fears in climbing, swinging or moving fast.
- Challenges in maintaining attention, staying focused, and is easily distracted compared to same aged children
- Increased distress when wet type materials such as mud, paint or food are near or on their hands.
- Is sensitive to noise, smells, food textures, touch (ex. tags in clothing, tooth brushing, etc)
- May use increased force (stomping, slamming down, etc) with tasks.
Delays in Communication and Language
- Unable to express him or herself compared to same aged peers
- Increased frustration when attempting to access desired items from adult and unable
- Not babbling by the age of 15 months
- Not talking by the age of 2 years
- An inability to speak in short sentences by the age of 3 years
- Difficulty following directions
- Poor pronunciation or articulation, such as slurring or stuttering
- Difficulty putting words together in a sentence
- Leaving words out of a sentence
Kids with the following medical conditions are also considered to be ‘at risk’ for communication or feeding disorders and should be monitored for speech-language delays: Auditory processing disorders, hearing loss, traumatic brain injuries (brain or spinal cord) learning problems autism/pervasive developmental disorders developmental delays cerebral palsy and other chronic illnesses, Down syndrome and other genetic conditions.
Challenges in Gross Motor or Postural Skills
- Avoids activities requiring coordination such as playground equipment, climbing, or PE related activities.
- May fall frequently or has poor balance compared to peers their age
- Has/had difficulty learning how to ride a bike, doing jumping jacks, skipping, or jump rope
- Has difficulty or avoids playing team sports that require coordination
Challenges in Fine Motor and/or Visual Perceptual Skills
- Avoids writing, drawing or craft activities
- Teachers have reported excessively messy drawings and handwriting work
- Appears to hold the pencil awkwardly
- Has difficulty with cutting or coloring within given lines and using utensils
- Has difficulty with snaps, buttons, zippers, or tying shoes
- Has difficulty learning the alphabet and letters
- Has difficulty putting together puzzles
Challenges With Bilateral Integration, Body Awareness or Other Areas Relating to Everyday Tasks
- Has difficulty opening and closing containers, zip-lock bags, etc.
- Has difficulty dressing/undressing; placing socks and shoes on or tying shoes
- They have poor grooming and hygiene skills or tolerance
- Has decreased awareness of clothing on their body, i.e. leaves shirt half out, pants tucked in socks, etc.
- Has difficulty learning how to hang and fold clothes
- Has difficulty organizing time to get ready in a timely manner
- Has difficulty sequencing steps to make a bed or complete another age appropriate task
Concerned?
Research has shown that the earlier a child is receives therapeutic intervention, the greater the success!
If you have questions or are concerned about your child's development in any way, we recommended that you reach out to your pediatrician or a qualified and licensed professional about your concerns. Call us today about a consultation or speak to your pediatrician about getting an assessment completed.
