Worried About Developmental Delays With Your Child? Read This!
As parents, watching our children check off each milestone—from their first steps to their first words—is exciting. But when they don’t, it becomes a potential cause for concern.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 6 children have developmental delays. And maybe you’ve noticed your child falling behind. They aren’t keeping up with their peers. Or perhaps their pediatrician has expressed concerns. So, what should you know? What causes development delays? In this article, we take a closer look—and dive into how chiropractic care might help you and your child get back on track.
Causes of Developmental Delays
Every child develops at their own unique pace, influenced by various factors that shape their early growth journey. Research has shown that early development is a complex interplay of different elements working together:
Prenatal and Early Life Events
The path to parenthood and early experiences can influence development. This includes factors like pregnancy health, birth experiences, and early medical history. While many children adapt beautifully, some may need extra support to reach their full potential.
Environmental Factors
Our modern world brings both opportunities and challenges for developing children. From nutrition to daily routines, various elements in a child’s environment can impact how they grow and learn.
How Do You Fix Developmental Delay?
If your child is receiving therapies like physical, occupational, or speech therapy, you may notice development happens in phases. This is completely normal. And ultimately, these therapeutic approaches work together with your child’s natural development, supporting their journey toward meeting important milestones.
However, one key aspect may go unaddressed: your child’s nervous system. The brainstem region, in particular, coordinates everything from movement planning to sensory processing and plays an important role in development.
In fact, development follows a natural sequence, much like constructing a house. Each level builds upon the previous one. The foundation starts with your child’s autonomic nervous system, managing essential functions like breathing and digestion. Next comes the neuro-motor system, enabling basic movement patterns and coordination. The gut and immune systems also work together with brain development, leading to complex skills like social interaction, speech, and emotional regulation.
Every milestone matters in this sequence. Simple achievements like crawling aren’t just physical accomplishments—they’re crucial steps in brain development. That’s why skipping milestones (like going straight to walking without crawling) can impact future development, as each stage builds upon previous ones.
When the nervous system faces challenges (often from early life experiences like stressors or physical trauma), you might notice:
- Delays in movement milestones
- Communication challenges
- Difficulties processing sensory information
- Balance and coordination differences
Can Children With Developmental Delay Catch Up?
Many parents feel concerned when their child isn’t meeting developmental milestones as expected. The good news is that with early support and appropriate care, children can make significant progress in their development.
The key is taking action early. If you notice your child developing differently than expected, trust your parental instincts—you know your child best. Early support during these crucial developmental years can make a significant difference in your child’s progress.
While traditional therapies offer valuable support, understanding your child’s overall development, including their neurological function, can provide additional insights. Modern assessment tools, like chiropractic care, can help identify specific areas where your child might need extra support, allowing for more targeted care.
After all, development isn’t just about checking off milestone boxes; it’s about building strong foundations for your child’s future abilities and skills. When we understand what might be affecting your child’s development, we can better support their progress and help them reach their full potential. And keep in mind that every child develops at their own pace, and with the right support, children can make remarkable progress.
Curious to learn more? Interested in learning how chiropractic care fits into the picture? At Highest Health Chiropractic, our team is dedicated to helping your entire family achieve a higher state of health. Your local Sioux Falls Chiropractor is here to help uncover what’s holding your child back—and offer solutions to any developmental delays. Book your appointment with our caring and compassionate team today!
