What is developmental delay?
A developmental delay means a child is gaining skills more slowly than expected for their age. It can affect speech and language, motor skills, social skills, problem solving, or daily living skills, and it can involve one area or several.
Delays have many possible causes, including genetic conditions, premature birth, hearing loss, or health challenges, and sometimes no single cause is found. Identifying a delay early gives your child the best chance to build skills during a time when the brain is especially adaptable.
Common signs and challenges
- Not sitting, crawling, or walking on time
- Few words or late talking
- Trouble following simple directions
- Low muscle tone or clumsiness
- Limited play or joint attention
- Difficulty with feeding
- Trouble with fine motor tasks
- Tiring quickly during play
How therapy may help
Every plan starts with an evaluation. Which disciplines are involved depends on your goals and what the evaluation shows.
What to expect at Empowerize
Your therapist works one-on-one with you or your child to build a customized treatment plan. We collaborate with your referring physician and give regular updates on your plan of care. Families and caregivers are included in goal setting and home strategies.
Questions families ask about developmental delay
Should we wait and see if my child catches up?
You do not need to wait to ask. An evaluation can tell you whether your child may benefit from therapy now or whether monitoring is reasonable.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your insurance. Call us and we will help you check.
What happens at the first visit?
Your therapist will observe your child at play, talk with you about milestones and concerns, and share goals and a plan.