A child’s development unfolds step by step, encompassing several areas, from language and communication to movement and social interaction. Parents may have several worries, such as whether their child responds to their name or is developing speech as expected.ALSO READ: Giving phones to your children? Know how excessive digital use may affect developing brain, sleep and behaviour
2. Not responding to their name by around 9–12 months
When certain behavioural patterns appear repeatedly, or some signs linger for a long time, then it becomes critical to observe them closely and seek professional help.
In a nutshell, parents should pay attention to recurring, repetitive patterns, instead of assuming the worst over one isolated delay. Dr Desai concluded by reminding parents that they do have the instinct to detect subtle changes: “Parents are often the first to recognise when something feels different, long before others notice.”
So, if a concern persists and your instinct as a parent tells you that something may be different, trust your gut and seek professional guidance.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
7 early signs of developmental signs every parent should know:
Let’s break down the major developmental milestones with the help of a specialist and understand how parents can determine whether their child is on the right developmental track as they approach the age of two.
Dr Ankit Desai, paediatric anaesthetist and founder and director of Children’s Anaesthesia Services, shares with HT Lifestyle the main developmental signs parents should observe before their child turns two.
While every child develops at their own pace, a delay in one area may not necessarily signal a developmental concern.
Emphasising this point, the doctor elaborated, “The early years of a child’s life are quite extraordinary. During this time, a child’s brain develops a lot more rapidly than at almost any other stage of life and forms millions of neural connections every second. Yet, during this time, parents usually focus on some obvious milestones like ‘first words’ or ‘first steps’; early development is often revealed through subtler behaviours that emerge long before a formal concern is raised.”
The paediatrician shared a brief guide, covering all seven early developmental signs that every parent should be aware of before their child turns two:
Early physiotherapy or developmental intervention can significantly improve outcomes when concerns are identified early.
It is crucial to recognise developmental differences early. But approach with a calm demeanour instead of assuming the worst or instantly attaching a label to the child. The expert also emphasised this and said, “Early identification is not about labelling children; it is about supporting development when the brain is most adaptable.” While children do have different paces of development, some signs that linger for a long time should not be dismissed indefinitely. Dr Desai added, “While patience has its place, persistent concerns deserve professional evaluation.”
