While every child is different, there are developmental milestones that offer clues about the child's health and if they are developing as expected. But what are these milestones, and how can you tell if your child is missing those vital steps?
Dr. Douglas Halbert, a pediatrician with Healthcare Network, joined ABC7 to get us more on these milestones from infants to pre-school.
In the United States, 17% of children have a developmental or behavioral disability, but fewer than half of these children are identified before starting school.
These developmental milestones are defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and include:
- Cognitive Milestones: Tasks like learning, thinking and problem-solving help determine whether a child is on track for future academic success.
- Social/Emotional Milestones: Children should be learning how to interact with other children and show emotion.
- Language/Communication Milestones: How children can express their needs and share what they are thinking are important milestones. They also should be able to understand and interpret what others are saying.
- Movement Milestones: Represent the physical body and how children can use their bodies for movement.
For more information on Healthcare Network, visit healthcareswfl.org or call 239-658-3000.
Watch the full interview above!