What Is Developmental Delay?

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Speech therapy and physical therapy can both support children with developmental delays by helping them build foundational skills that contribute to overall growth and daily functioning. Speech‑language pathologists work with children who have delays in communication, social interaction, or early cognitive‑language skills. Therapy may focus on increasing vocabulary, improving sentence structure, strengthening understanding of language, and supporting clearer speech production. For children with social or play‑based delays, speech therapists also help develop turn‑taking, joint attention, and early problem‑solving abilities. They often guide families in using strategies at home to reinforce communication throughout daily routines.

Physical therapy addresses delays in gross motor development, such as sitting, crawling, standing, or walking. Therapists help children build strength, balance, coordination, and motor planning through structured play and movement activities. They may also work on improving posture, flexibility, and endurance, and can recommend adaptive equipment when needed to support safe mobility. By targeting the physical skills that form the basis for exploration and independence, physical therapy helps children participate more fully in their environments. Together, these therapies provide a comprehensive approach that supports communication, movement, and overall developmental progress.