Developmental Delays: What Every Parent Needs to Know
From Crawling to Conversing: The Developmental Milestones of Three-Year-Olds
At 3 years old, children typically demonstrate a range of developmental milestones. Here are some common skills and abilities that 3-year-olds may display:
Language development:
By the age of 3, children can usually speak in simple sentences of 3–4 words, such as “I want play ball,” “Look at this,” or “Help me.” They often use pronouns like “I” and “you,” and begin using basic grammar. At this stage, they love asking questions like “Where is it?” “When we go?” or “Who give this?” They also enjoy telling simple stories and singing songs.
Cognitive development:
3-year-olds can typically sort objects by shape and color, understand basic concepts such as “big” and “small,” and count one to three. They can complete simple puzzles and match objects. They enjoy using their imaginations to create pretend scenarios with toy kitchens, doctor kits, and playhouses.
Motor development:
By age 3, children can run, jump, and climb confidently. They walk up and down stairs using alternating feet. Many can pedal a tricycle with help or independently. They hold pencils or crayons and draw simple shapes and lines. They can change clothes with some adult assistance. Most can pull off socks and shoes by themselves. They can also remove pants or shorts and pull shirts over their head.
Social and emotional development:
At age 3, children can play with others, take turns, and share toys — though this can still be challenging. They begin to understand basic emotions such as happy, sad, and angry, and start to notice other people’s feelings. Many will offer comfort to someone who is upset and try to help those in need.
During the first three years of life, children pick up a wide range of skills. This is a critical period of development, with the brain rapidly growing and forming neural connections. These early experiences shape future cognitive, emotional, and social development.
The Developmental Delay Dilemma: How to Determine When Your Child Needs Help
Parenting can be full of uncertainty, especially when you’re not sure if your child’s development is on track. When your little one is still not doing certain things yet, and it’s hard not to feel anxious about it. If you have concerns about your child’s development, here are some signs that may indicate a delay. Here are some examples:
- Limited or no speech:
If your child is not speaking or has very limited speech, poor eye contact, rarely respond to your calling, always play alone or seldom request for food or help verbally or pulling your hand to request for food or help. It may be a sign of a delay in language development.
- Difficulty with fine or gross motor skills:
If your child has difficulty with basic motor skills, such as running, jumping, or using utensils, it may be a sign of a delay in motor development. - Social or behavioral concerns:
If your child has difficulty interacting with others, does not respond to their name, or shows unusual behaviors or interests, it may be a sign of a delay in social or behavioral development.
It is true that every child develops at their own pace. However, if you have concerns about your child’s development, it is always a good idea to talk to a professional about it.
From Psychologist to Therapist: Understanding the Professionals Who Can Help Your Child
Our Clinical Psychologist provides comprehensive evaluations to identify developmental delays or concerns such as Autism, ADHD, or Speech Delays. They offer guidance on suitable therapies, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, Early Intervention, ABA, or Social Skills Training. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our Clinical Psychologist.
From Concern to Action: Early Intervention Program (EIP)
Early Intervention Programs (EIP) help young children with developmental delays or disabilities such as GDD, ASD, ADHD, or Speech Delay. Our EIP supports children aged three and above who may have developmental challenges. The goal is early identification and intervention to improve development and promote overall well-being.
Early intervention is important to help children with developmental delays to reach their full potential. By identifying and addressing any issues early, you can help your child get the support they need to succeed. Our EIP program is one-to-one teaching. One-to-one teaching can be beneficial for many reasons, particularly for children with delays. Here are some of the reasons why one-to-one teaching can be better:
- Individualized attention:
With one-to-one teaching, the child can receive individualized attention and support from our therapist. This can allow therapist to tailor the treatment plan to the child’s individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses - Focus and engagement:
With one-to-one teaching, the child is less likely to be distracted or disengaged, which can improve their learning and retention of information.
- Progress tracking:
One-to-one teaching can allow for more accurate progress tracking, as the therapist can closely monitor the child’s performance and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
- Increased confidence:
One-to-one teaching can provide a more supportive and nurturing environment, which can help build the child’s confidence and self-esteem.
- Flexibility:
With one-to-one teaching, therapist can be more flexible in their approach to instruction and can adapt to the child’s individual learning style.
Of course, there are also benefits to group learning environments, such as socialization and peer learning. Hence, our EIP program include playgroup as part of the program. Our playgroups provide a structured and supportive environment for children to learn, play, and socialize with peers.
Count on Us: We Are Here to Help You
You don’t have to navigate your child’s developmental concerns alone. We offer a range of services and resources to help support your family’s needs. Here are our services:
- Screening & Diagnosis by Clinical Psychologist
- Early Intervention Program (EIP)
- Social Skills Training
- Parenting Coaching
You can contact us through:
Phone: +6 010 831 4667
WA : http://wa.me/60108314667
Email: enquiry@kidzsteps.com.my
ADHD, autism, developmental delays, early intervention program, special needs
