Takeaway: Many children struggle to learn language skills, but often for different reasons. Some ‘late talkers’ simply need a bit of extra time to catch up to their peers. But others have more serious language impairments that won’t sort themselves out without the right support. Either way, parents can learn to spot red flags and contact a specialist immediately. Read More
Takeaway: Speech and language delays can significantly lower your child’s quality of life. But you can help by using everyday activities to trigger her natural desire to play, learn, and communicate. And for children with more significant speech and language delays, specialists have an entire toolkit of advanced teaching techniques. Read More
Takeaway: By the end of toddlerhood (age 3), your child will likely be able to (1) play outdoor games and ride a tricycle, (2) understand ‘cause and effect’, (3) speak in short sentences, (4) play alongside friends, and (5) feed herself simple meals using a fork and spoon. So, if you’re concerned that she’s missing these milestones, consider consulting a specialist. Read More
Takeaway: Children with a global developmental delay are well behind in meeting many developmental milestones. These include milestones to do with (1) cognitive skills, (2) motor skills, (3) language & communication skills, (4) social and emotional skills, and (5) self-care skills. You can download milestone checklists to try and identify a global delay, but that’s just a first step. Eventually, you’ll need a team of specialists to make the diagnosis and create a care plan. Read More
Takeaway: Children with good emotional self-regulation know how to handle their emotions in different situations. Without it, they would struggle to (1) Make friends, (2) Succeed at school, and (3) Stay mentally healthy. But as a parent, there are simple things you can do to help your child regulate her emotions. Read More
Takeaway: Toddlers (age 1-2) have usually learned a specific set of physical, thinking, language, and social skills. And the critical skills in these categories are called developmental milestones. Many toddlers reach these milestones slightly late, but if your child is significantly delayed, it’s worth contacting a specialist. Read More