Developmental milestones and what to look for

SkyBreak Therapy, Chad Hilmo, Pediatric, speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory, autism

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.

SkyBreak Therapy, Chad Hilmo, speech therapy, occupational therapy, pediatric therapy,

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.

SkyBreak Therapy, Chad Hilmo, Pediatric, gross motor, fine motor, occupational, speech therapy

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

SkyBreak Therapy, Chad Hilmo, Pediatric, handwriting, occupational, therapy, speech, fine motor

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

SkyBreak Therapy, Chad Hilmo, Pediatric, therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy

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

SkyBreak Therapy, Chad Hilmo, occupational, speech therapy, therapy, behavior, autism, adhd, sensory

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.