Your Child's Developmental Milestones
At Let’s Communicate Pediatric Therapy Services, we understand the importance of your child meeting his or her developmental milestones for achieving independence and lifelong success. Every child is unique, and we’re here to guide and support your child’s journey to reaching their milestones with expert pediatric therapy services tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Keep reading to learn what developmental milestones are, what milestones your child should reach for their age, and how pediatric therapy can help if your child needs extra support to achieve their developmental skills.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are key skills and abilities that most children achieve by a certain age. While every child develops at their own pace, these milestones serve as general guidelines based on the average age that most children will achieve a specific skill. But it is important to note that variations in development are entirely normal, and some children will achieve their milestones slower or faster than their peers.
Learn More About Your Child’s Development
To learn more about the specific milestones expected for your child’s age, click one of the links below.
The First Year
Your baby’s milestones from birth through 12 months.
The Second Year
Your toddler’s milestones from 12 months through 24 months.
The Third Year
Your toddler’s milestones from 24 months through 36 months.
The Fourth Year
Your child’s milestones from 3 years old to 4 years old.
The Fifth Year
Your child’s milestones from 4 years old to 5 years old.
What Is a Developmental Delay?
When a child is consistently behind their peers in terms of their milestones, it’s called a developmental delay. Sometimes, a developmental delay is caused by an underlying medical condition that impacts a child’s ability to reach new milestones. Other times, a child may simply need extra support to achieve the skills they need for their age. Whatever the case may be for your child, our team at Let’s Communicate Pediatric Therapy Services is here to help them reach their fullest potential.
What Skills Will Your Child Develop Between Birth and Age 5?
There are specific types of skills that children will gain in their first five years of life.
Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills involve the coordination and control of the large muscles of the body, which are responsible for activities such as crawling, walking, running, jumping, and other physical movements. These skills are essential for activities that require whole-body movement and coordination such as crawling, walking, jumping, and throwing.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills involve the coordination and control of the small muscles in the hands, fingers, and wrists. These skills are essential for performing precise and detailed tasks that require dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Fine motor skills are crucial for activities such as writing, drawing, buttoning a shirt, using scissors, and manipulating small objects.
Speech Skills
Speech skills involve the physical ability to produce the sounds needed for clear speech. These skills are vital for oral communication and include good sound articulation and speech fluency. Speech skills are needed for social interaction, academic success, and overall communication in daily life.
Language Skills
Language skills refer to the ability to understand and use language. These skills include both receptive language (listening and understanding) and expressive language (sharing ideas clearly with others). Knowledge and understanding of reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar can all impact language skills.
Cognitive Skills
Cognitive skills refer to the ability to receive, think with, and use information. These skills are essential for tasks such as problem-solving, memory, attention, and organization. Cognitive skills play a vital role in a person’s ability to learn, adapt to new situations, and perform daily tasks effectively.
Social Skills
Social skills refer to the ability to interact effectively with others in social situations. These skills are essential for building and maintaining positive relationships, understanding social norms, and navigating various social contexts. Social skills include sharing, taking turns, understanding nonverbal cues, and making friends.
Emotional Skills
Emotional skills involve the ability to understand, express, and regulate emotions and behavior in an acceptable way. This can include self-soothing behavior, handling disappointment, showing empathy for others, and communicating feelings in a healthy way.
Feeding Skills
Feeding skills involve the oral motor skills necessary for effective nursing, swallowing, and chewing, as well as the fine and gross motor skills necessary for self-feeding. They also include the ability to tolerate foods with a variety of tastes and textures for healthy nutritional intake.
What Do I Do if My Child Isn't Reaching Their Milestones?
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, you can always speak with their pediatrician or call us at (678) 963-0694 to schedule an evaluation with our pediatric therapists. This can give you peace of mind if your child is achieving their milestones within an acceptable time; and if they do have a delay, early intervention can help them get back on track fast.
How Our Team Can Help Your Child Achieve Their Milestones
Our team at Let’s Communicate Pediatric Therapy Services is dedicated to helping children reach their fullest potential through personalized care. We have expert speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists who work together to ensure your child gets the right treatment for their specific needs.
If your child is experiencing a developmental delay, we can identify it and help your child build the vital skills they need for independence and success.
Don’t hesitate to call us for more information or to schedule an appointment. At Let’s Communicate Pediatric Therapy Services, we’re here to support your child’s journey towards achieving their developmental milestones for a successful and confident life. Call us at (678) 963-0694 or send us a message to get started today!
