Your questions on Child Development answered
What is Child Development?
Child Development is the physical, emotional and intellectual growth of a child from infancy to early adulthood. This covers the development of
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Physical Skills – How a child learns to move their body whether they are bigger movements involving the whole body or smaller movements using hands or fingers
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Cognitive Skills – How a child learns from the environment and solves problems
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Social Skills – How a child interacts and communicates with others
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Speech and Language – How a child understands language and develops the ability to read, write and express themselves
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Sensory Awareness – How a child hears, sees, touches, smells, tastes and interprets things based on these sensory inputs
Understanding your child’s developmental milestones is an important part of parenting. Children grow and develop at their own pace. Being vigilant can ensure that parents are able to spot early signs of childhood developmental delays. In this context the 6F Framework developed by CanChild provides a holistic base for parents to manage their child’s development. The 6 F words: Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future are important focus areas for a child’s development. Watch this video by Dr. Vibha Krishnamurthy as she talks about each of these factors and breaks down the importance of each area in the life of a child.
Understand and manage your child’s development with the 6 Fs Framework
What are Developmental Disabilities?
Children grow and develop in their own way and in their own time. However, some children may have visible difficulties and/or ones that may not be seen such as difficulties related to learning and attention. They are usually present at birth and manifest as the child grows older. These are called Developmental Disabilities and these conditions limit or delay the child’s development in a significant way.
Diagnosis of Developmental Disabilities
Parents usually tend to observe whether their child meets the typical
developmental milestones in playing, learning, speaking, etc. Informing their pediatric
doctor about a missed milestone is a start towards diagnosing developmental
disabilities. There could be many causes of delayed developmental milestones and this
may not mean that the child has a developmental disability. A formal developmental
evaluation with a trained specialist who takes an in-depth look at the child’s
development is needed to determine if the child has a developmental disability.
Some common developmental delay symptoms that could indicate developmental disabilities
are delayed or no speech, poor eye contact, limited facial expressions, limited interest
in others and unusual reactions to noise, textures and smells.
Types of Developmental Disabilities
The most common type of developmental disabilities are Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disabilities among others. Watch the videos to know more about each developmental disability, and the intervention and support required for each of them.
Symptoms, Diagnosis, Therapy for Autism
Down Syndrome Signs and Therapy
ADHD Symptoms and Therapy
Types and Symptoms of Learning Disabilities and Therapy, Support and Interventions required
Early Signs, Diagnosis, Therapy, Intervention and Support for Cerebral Palsy
What is Fragile X Syndrome and Early Intervention Services
What is Early Intervention and Outcomes of Early Intervention
Early Intervention
The Most Effective Way To Address Developmental Disabilities
The early years of a child’s life are critical for their
health and development. If parents have observed early signs or symptoms of Autism, Down
Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy or signs of developmental delay, it is important to seek early
intervention. Early intervention is most effective in the first three years of the life of
the child.
Early intervention services can alter a child’s developmental path and
also help families meet their child’s needs better from an early age. Children with
developmental disabilities may need support in the form of therapy and additional care.
While there is no real treatment for developmental disabilities, timely intervention can go
a long way in ensuring the best support for your child.
Supporting A Child With Developmental Disabilities
We believe that children with developmental
disabilities can be included in society and reach their maximum potential. Parents and
families and childcare providers, play important roles in the development of children.
Providing a safe and nurturing home environment combined with timely diagnosis, early
intervention, learning and occupational therapy can help address developmental delays
and cope with the impact of these disabilities on a child's life.
Yes, children
with developmental disabilities may need extra care and possibly special needs
education. They may require parents to get more creative in building basic skills and
seek help from support groups and likeminded friends and other parents in similar
situations. Here are some tips on how parents can help their children.
Fun ways to build listening and speaking skills
Listening and Speaking
Make this fun and play for the child. Play encourages the child to explore and encourages them to imbibe the teaching.
Tips to help children read
Learning and Reading
Reading is a fundamental skill that creates a path to continuous growth. With a few simple strategies, children with developmental disabilities may learn to read.
Tips to help children read
Choose the right school
Selecting a School
Children spend a major part of their formative years in the school environment. It is essential to select schools where children with developmental disabilities are understood and nurtured.
About Developmental Disabilities India
An initiative by Ummeed Child Development Center
Developmental Disabilities India (DDI) is India’s first channel dedicated to awareness about developmental disabilities. It features interviews with renowned experts – doctors and therapists – who are working with children with developmental disabilities. These experts share usable information for parents of children with disabilities and for professionals working with children with disabilities to better support children with developmental disabilities.
DDI hosts easy to follow videos that provide explanations about disabilities, what types of interventions are required, tips for caregivers and professionals and answers to critical questions that parents have in managing day to day care for their children and their future. Started by Ummeed Child Development Center, DDI hopes to create a reliable space for information and conversation around developmental disabilities in India.