Developmental delays occur any time that we find that the “average expectation” for  the development of speech, physical, social and emotional interactions, along with movement are not as expected.

Any number of issues can create developmental delays, from genetics to nutrient deficiencies to environmental toxins. May of the problems can be addressed given a proper diagnosis and treatment. You will hear us always say sooner is better, but any time is better than not. It’s essential to look at all the aspects of developmental potentials and take the time to see what influences are working or not for your family members development.

The range of expression for all of us varies. However it’s critical to identify any potential issues as soon as possible to give your family member the opportunity to optimize their potentials for a life long productive life. It’s now understood that the development of the brain takes place over a period of approximately 25 years. So regardless of when we start there are many opportunities for change.

When we discuss the developmental milestones we evaluate:

  • Social skills: How one interacts with others, having relationships with family, friends, and teachers, cooperating and responding to the feelings of others.

  • Fine motor skills: The use of hands to be able to eat, draw, dress, play, write, and do many other activities

  • Gross motor skills: This involves using large groups of muscles to sit, stand, walk, run, maintain balance and changing positions

  • Language skills:Our  ability to speak, use body language and gestures, along with communicating and understanding what others are saying

  • Cognitive skills: Here we look for the development of thinking skills: including learning, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning, and remembering

Dr. Kadish utilizes a host of evaluation means and methods to both teach you and your family how to know what to look for as well as what you can do to make changes. He interfaces for a host of providers, for many therapies, that can really make a difference.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) publishes an excellent set of milestones tools.  including a free mobile app.

Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move (crawling, walking, etc.).

Click on the age of your child to see the milestones: