How can I tell whether my child has a motor or language delay?
Development is assessed across movement, language, communication, learning and behaviour, not one skill or a quick comparison with another child. Seek early assessment if concerned or if a child loses an acquired skill. Milestone checklists support monitoring but are not diagnostic by themselves.
Details
What should you bring to the appointment?
Record skills your child uses, areas of difficulty and when changes appeared. Examples from play, communication and movement, or short videos, may help. Mention prematurity, health problems and observations from nursery or school.
How is development assessed?
The clinician may use standardized screening tools, check hearing or vision, or refer to an appropriate professional. Screening identifies a need for further assessment rather than diagnosing a particular condition. Delay alone does not establish autism or cerebral palsy.
Do not postpone persistent concerns
You need not wait for the next routine visit if concerns are clear or skills have regressed. Appropriate early support can address the needs of the child and family. Sudden loss of skills with new weakness, seizures or altered awareness needs urgent assessment.
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