Understanding Developmental Milestones for Your Child And The Importance of Early Intervention
For new and seasoned parents alike, it can be difficult to know what developmental milestones to look for and how to support your child’s growth. That's where developmental monitoring, screening, and (possibly) early intervention come in.
What developmental milestones should I be looking for?
During the first few years of life, children reach a number of important milestones in their development, including movement and coordination, communication, vision, and social-emotional milestones.
If you're unsure what milestones your child should be reaching and when the Child Mind Institute provides a complete guide to developmental milestones from 1 month to 5 years of age.
How can I tell if my child is meeting their milestones? And what should I do if I think there is a delay?
There are a few ways to determine if your child is meeting their milestones, including observing their physical development and taking developmental screenings at well-child visits.
Every child is different, but if you are concerned about your child’s development, it’s important to speak to your family doctor or your healthcare provider for guidance.
It’s best to get checked early so that interventions can get started if necessary. Early intervention can positively impact a child’s ability to learn new skills, overcome challenges, and thrive.
What is Early Intervention, and is it effective?
Early Intervention is a wonderful tool in the toolbox of parents whose children may need some extra support to meet their developmental milestones, as well as those with a diagnosed disability. It consists of a range of healthcare services available to pre-school-aged children to assist them in their growth and development in areas such as fine and gross motor skills, cognitive skills, speech and language skills, as well as to address specific activities like feeding, toileting, and dressing.
The Early Intervention model uses a team approach, employing Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Child Development Specialists, and other practitioners to assess and assist with the full spectrum of developmental challenges a child may encounter.
Over the last few decades, there has been extensive research conducted confirming the efficacy of Early Intervention. Even across a diverse spectrum of children, a variety of diagnoses, and a range of different home and social environments, Early Intervention is shown to be beneficial. Simply put, this type of intervention capitalizes on the greater flexibility that each individual possesses at an early age.
Research shows that Early Intervention is effective, and success is based on a family-centered approach, individualized intervention, and an approach grounded in developmental research.
Developmental Milestone Checks
At Tall Tree Health, we offer developmental milestone checks for children from 12 months to 5.5 years of age. Our team of child development specialists will evaluate your child's cognitive, gross and fine motor, communication, play, and socioemotional milestones and provide age-tailored activities to support their next developmental chapter. If any concerns arise, our team will make a referral for further investigation or early intervention support.
We’re here to empower your family, share knowledge, and ensure that no child is missing out on the power of early intervention.
Explore our Child Development Services today!
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