General Check-Up And Developmental Delay
My 2 year old son has had a general medical check-up recently, but we are still concerned about his speech, and he seems to not hear us properly. What’s wrong with him?
You know your child best, if you observe that he/she acts, looks, or speaks differently than other children or doesn’t seem to be achieving a developmental milestone in a similar manner, then you need to speak to your doctor.
Through initial extensive assessment and consultation, Dr Kukendrarajah would evaluate your child for potential delays and disorders, to assess and support if your child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder or complex condition. Because early intervention is so important, the service offers a variety of developmental assessments done by our neurodevelopmental paediatrician Collaborative Team.
So what exactly is developmental delay?
Developmental delay is a condition that arises during the period in which children make significant strides, for example, taking their first steps or speaking their first words. Some of these disabilities, Down’s syndrome, for example, are caused by chromosomal and genetic abnormalities that result in impaired language, learning, behaviour, or physical capabilities. Many of these conditions can cause intellectual disability leading to behaviours similar to those seen in children with autism.
All parents look for milestones in their child’s development and tend to discuss these not only with paediatricians but also with other parents, for example, your baby’s first steps or words.
Following the first assessment speech and language or physiotherapy may be provided depending on the child’s presenting problems.
Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics
Neurodevelopmental paediatricians evaluate infants, toddlers and children who show signs of motor and developmental delays.
In diagnosing and treating children who have developmental delays, disabilities and complex conditions our service will collaborate with a full range of highly trained experts to evaluate your child for potential delays and disorders, to assess and support if your child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder or complex condition. Because early intervention is so important, the service offers a variety of developmental assessments done by our neurodevelopmental paediatrician Collaborative Team.
Warning signs of a potential disorder or delay include:
- Abnormal muscle tone
- Asymmetrical body movements, limb posturing or limb use
- Difficulties with behaviour or attention span
- Developmental delays (motor, speech, social or cognitive)
- Hearing or vision problems
- Neurological disorders (such as seizures or cerebral palsy)
In some cases, such issues might indicate only mild delays. In others, they point to more than one disorder.
