Identifying Developmental Disorders in Toddlers

All parents track their children’s development. In most cases, children reach their milestones on time. However, in some cases, a child may not do something they are “supposed to” by a particular age. Identifying and treating developmental disorders is extremely important to help such children lead normal lives.

'Developmental disorder' is a broad term encompassing a wide range of conditions. These can be physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, cognitive impairments, hearing, and vision, as well as learning disorders. A developmental delay can further prevent a child from acquiring other appropriate skills. Therefore, it is essential for parents to recognise any possible delays and address them as quickly as possible.

What are the Symptoms of Developmental Disorders?

A number of different symptoms are associated with childhood developmental disorders. Some of these symptoms may be noticeable in infancy. Other symptoms may not be recognisable till the child starts going to school. A few common signs and symptoms of developmental disorders in toddlers include:

• Developing and learning slower in comparison to other children of the same age

• Rolling over, crawling, sitting, or walking much later in comparison to other children of the same age

• Talking late or having difficulty talking

• Difficulty socialising or communicating

• Issues in remembering things

• Difficulty with logical thinking or problem-solving

• Abnormally low scores on IQ tests

• Inability to understand actions and their consequences

• Inability to do normal tasks such as using the restroom or getting dressed without help

• Issues with learning or understanding in school

In case these symptoms are being caused due to underlying medical issues, timely identification and treatment can help improve the child’s development.

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What are the Causes of Developmental Disorders?

There is no particular known cause of developmental delay. However, certain factors may contribute to its occurrence before the birth of the child, during the birthing process, or even after birth. Possible causes include:

• Hereditary or genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome

• Trauma to the brain caused due to Shaken Baby Syndrome

• Metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU)

• Exposure to toxic substances such as lead poisoning or prenatal alcohol exposure

• Severe psychosocial trauma, like PTSD

• Deprivation of proper environment or food

• Certain serious infections

What are the Most Common Developmental Disorders in Children?

Developmental disorders can be classified into different types. The list of developmental disorders includes:

1. Communication Disorders

This is the most noticeable type of developmental disorder. It affects the child’s ability to communicate and understand simple instructions. Communication is essential for making sense of the world. Due to this, such children can also experience impairments and delays in other aspects of their lives. Communication disorders include expressive language disorder, stuttering, phonological disorder, and mixed receptive-expressive disorder.

2. Physical Developmental Disorders

Physical or motor disabilities include issues with walking and proper use of arms and hands. Some physical disabilities in children also affect their speech and swallowing. Common disorders include muscular dystrophies, spinal atrophies, and cerebral palsy.

3. Learning Disabilities

Children with learning disabilities experience problems in performing certain tasks if left alone or instructed using conventional methods of teaching. These include disorders such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

4. Autism Spectrum Disorders

This is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder, in which the children exhibit difficulty interacting with other people. Verbal and non-verbal communication is difficult for them to understand and express. They often get noticeably restrictive or demonstrate repetitive behaviour.

5. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Popularly called ADHD, the condition affects the executive functions of a child like control over their inhibitions and attention.

How is a Developmental Disorder Diagnosed?

In some cases, developmental disorders may be detected early, even during pregnancy. However, in many cases, they become evident after the child reaches school age. Assessment and diagnosis of the different disorders in the list of early childhood disabilities involve various professionals such as:

• Paediatricians

• Neuropsychologists

• Child psychiatrists or psychologists

• Speech pathologists

All these professionals work in tandem with each other to diagnose the condition(s).

Also Read: Childhood Disorders: Meaning, Symptoms & Treatment

How to Help a Child with Developmental Disorder?

Treatment for developmental disorders involves a combination of medication, therapy, skills training, and other supports as well. It is very important to work in close collaboration with healthcare professionals to find the right combination that works best for your child.

1. Medication

The doctor may prescribe medication for managing symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, low mood, anger, irritability, attention difficulties, and aggressive behaviour. Besides this, regular assessments and checkups are required to manage the condition efficiently.

2. Therapy

It is one of the most important parts of treatment for children with developmental disorders. Depending on the condition and the issues in child development psychology, healthcare professionals may recommend therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, Family Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, skills training, Client-centered Therapy, mindfulness practices, etc.

3. Parent Skills Training

Parents are recommended to undergo training to understand their children’s needs better. The training can help them understand how they can support their children in the best possible manner. Some examples include ADHD support and training for parents, Incredible Years Training Program for parents, etc.