No two children learn to do things at the same rate. Your child may walk earlier than another child the same age, but the other child may talk first. Normally, children catch up with each other at some point. But there are children who will never catch up without extra help. Early help can make a difference.
Who May Need Help?
The Baby Who:
- Seems very limp or very stiff when picked up
- Does not react to sudden sounds or voices by 3 months
- Does not make sounds by 3 months
- Does not follow moving objects with eyes by 3 months
- Does not laugh or smile or " babble " by 6 months
- Does not sit alone by 10 months
- Does not walk alone by 18 months
- Cannot repeat spoken word by 18 months
- At age 2, cannot name a few objects
- At age 3, cannot put 2 to 3 words together
- At age 4, cannot say short sentences
- At age 4, can be understood only by family members
- Always talks loudly - even shouts
- Never answers when called from another room
- Always turns the same ear towards sounds when listening
- Bangs head for long periods of time
- Spins, walks on toes past age 2
- At age 4, has poor coordination - cannot pedal a tricycle, catch a large ball or hold a crayon to draw
- At age 4, is very clumsy, trips a lot, seems off balance
- Says or does the same things, over and over
- At age 4, is not at all toilet-trained
- Has crossing of one or both eyes past the age of 1
- Holds head in strange or tilted way when looking at things
- At age 4, avoids making eye contact
- Consult with your pediatrician.
- Contact the early intervention program in your state.
In Georgia, contact:
Babies Can't Wait at 1-800-229-2038. - Ask for an evaluation by a specialist in the area of concern (OT, PT, Speech/ Language, Psychologist, Audiologist, etc.).
- Contact us
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