Caregivers can tell the difference between normal growth and developmental issues by keeping an eye on important milestones.
1. Milestone Tracking:
- By the time a child is 2 years old, they should know at least 50 words.
- By age 3, most kids (about 75%) should be able to make simple sentences with three words.
2. Red Flags:
- If a child doesn’t make eye contact or share attention with others by 12 months, this could be a sign of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- If a child hasn’t started walking by 15 months, it might mean they have delays in their motor skills.
3. Statistical Indicators:
- About 1 in 6 children between 2 and 8 years old has a developmental disorder.
- Getting help early can really make a difference. Research shows that children who get help early can improve their skills by 25-50%.