Developmental checklist definition child development
Home / Health Library / Articles Child DevelopmentChild development describes how children grow and change. Experts divide developmental stages into five periods from birth to 18 years old. At each stage, healthcare providers expect children to meet certain developmental milestones. Identifying and knowing the cause of any delays can help provide appropriate supports.
What is child development?Child development refers to how your child grows and changes over time. Experts divide child growth and development into four areas: Show
What are developmental milestones?Developmental milestones are the behaviors that mark stages of typical growth. Children all develop at their own pace. However, most children pass through specific changes at approximately the same time as they get older. Examples of developmental milestones in a babys first year of life may include:
As they grow older, a childs developmental milestones may include:
What are the developmental stages?Healthcare providers typically divide child development stages into five periods:
How do I measure child development?Some experts use child development checklists to measure your childs progression. Children grow and meet milestones at their own pace, but checklists can provide a guideline for typical growth and development. Its important not to use developmental checklists as diagnostic tools. Instead, if your child has not met a developmental milestone, this information is a clue that its time to talk to a healthcare provider. A specialist may be able to offer more detailed assessments of your childs particular development. What are developmental delays?Developmental delays refer to areas where children have not gained the skills that experts expect children of their age to have. You may notice delays in any developmental areas, including ones that affect:
What are the signs of developmental delays?Signs of developmental delays can vary significantly. Sometimes, you may notice signs of a delay during infancy. Or symptoms may not show up until a child is school age. Some of the most common signs of developmental delays can include:
What causes developmental delays?Some developmental delays have no known cause. Some delays occur due to genetic factors, such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome or Angelman syndrome. Some children have a higher risk of developmental delays due to environmental factors such as:
What should I do if I notice signs of a developmental delay?If you notice signs of developmental delays, speak with your childs pediatrician. The pediatrician may recommend a developmental evaluation. This evaluation can involve specialists such as a:
An evaluation may include observed playtime, structured tests and parent questionnaires. The results can determine if your child could benefit from special interventions or therapies. What are the treatment options for developmental delays?Developmental delays dont have a cure. However, certain types of therapy can help your child function well or keep up with peers. Some therapy options include:
Why are developmental screenings important?In the US, about 1 in 6 children have a developmental delay. When healthcare providers find a developmental delay early, they can offer interventions. These interventions help your child succeed in school, connect socially and learn to communicate. A note from Cleveland Clinic Child development refers to all the milestones that experts expect children to meet by certain ages. These milestones include how children grow physically and develop socially, emotionally and mentally. If children dont meet expected milestones, a healthcare provider can evaluate them for developmental delays. While there is no cure for developmental delays, certain types of therapy can help your child thrive. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/01/2021. References
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