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Concerned About Your Infant or Toddler?
This video is close captioned.
When parents are worried that their child may have a developmental concern they could talk to their child's doctor as well as contact the early intervention agency.
The good news is that the earlier parents and providers recognize children who are delayed in reaching a milestone, the more intervention may help them to reach their full potential. All children develop at their own pace, and many reach particular milestones slightly late or early.
Each State in the U.S. has an early intervention system. In Michigan, it is called Early On®.
How Early On® Michigan Helped One Family (video)
Don't Worry, But Don't Wait
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Early On
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Childhood is a time of tremendous growth and learning. How very exciting to be a baby…or a two-year-old… or get on a school bus for the first time. There's so much to know!
We all come into the world like small waiting sponges, ready to absorb what's around us. Yet we're all different, too—another of life's little marvels. We also develop at different rates. Some children speed along, practically running before they walk. Others take their time–or need more time. And still others may ultimately need four wheels to get around.
Parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers, and friends watch eagerly for each new step and progression in a child's skills. If a skill is not learned "on time," they may worry. Juana's not sitting up yet, but the baby next door is. Hannah should be talking in full sentences by now!
But what's "on time"? What's "normal"? Does "normal" have a range? What happens when this new child has a disability? What if there are health problems? What if, as time goes by, it seems as if the child isn't learning and progressing as quickly or easily as other children?
Yes, "normal" has a range, but growth does tend to follow a certain sequence. Skills are expected to emerge at more or less at certain ages. The CDC has a great booklet available called Milestone Moments.
Michigan Alliance for Families and Early On Michigan share the tool below for parents to gauge their child's development. In addition to developmental and language milestones, we've included links to a video clips about these skills.
And if you know your child has a delay, knowing these milestones are still important. Knowing what skill comes next, even if it comes at a slower rate, will help you help your baby develop and learn.
Children experiencing developmental delays are more like a typical child than different. If you know your child has a delay and/or disability, knowing these "typical" milestones is still important. Knowing what skill comes next, even if it comes at a slower rate, will help you help your baby develop and learn. If you want more information on your child's disability, contact Michigan Alliance for Families at 1-800-552-4821, or visit our website. What does your child's delay/ disability mean for you as a parent? Michigan Alliance for Families provides support for parents.
Click here for developmental milestones for newborn to 3 years old
Michigan Alliance for Families, in partnership with Early On® Michigan, is working together to increase the involvement of Michigan families in the growth and development of their infants and toddlers. Visit the Michigan Alliance for Families website:
