Often it is the parents who first have concerns when their toddlers are not “on-target” in their development.  Sometimes areas of delayed development are first detected in the doctor’s office. It often takes longer to notice uneven development patterns than to notice overall delayed development.

Warning signs are just that…warnings. They don’t necessarily mean there are problems, but they should be discussed with your pediatrician or family physician at your next visit. If your toddler is developing normally, your doctor will be able to reassure you.

Early intervention with a child who is behind in social, cognitive, fine motor, gross motor, and/or language development can make a world of difference. If you see some of these signs in your child, you may want to contact your school district, physician or the local, state or national LDA office for information. They can guide you on where to start in determining whether your child has some delays in areas of development.

The following are some signs and frequent comments used to describe preschoolers who may need assessment: It is the number and severity of the characteristics that should drive your decision.

He knocks over blocks, bumps into doors, falls out of his chair, crashes into playmates and catapults through space.