Noticing The Signs Early
How parents can spot developmental delays at home

AWARENESS BEGINS AT HOME

Role of Parental Awareness in managing Neuro-Developmental Disorders in Early years.

Recently, I came across an insightful experience, that got me thinking how crucial it is for the parents to pay attention to their children at a young age and look for signs that are though subtle but a concrete expression of their vulnerability.

The reason why I am writing on this issue, is to raise awareness of what are these signs parents shouldn’t overlook in the early stages of their child and how can they take necessary precautions and measures, so that they are able to better manage and avoid future struggles.

Although there’s a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, autism spectrum disorders etc, my aim is to highlight the overlapping signs and symptoms of this particular diagnostic category.

What are NDDs?

According to Diagnostic Statistical Manual (handbook of mental disorders), neurodevelopmental disorders are categorized by group of conditions characterized by developmental deficits or differences in brain processes that leads to impairments of personal, social, academic or occupational functioning.
The onset of such conditions is during the developmental period of the child.

Usually, therapists or mental health professionals avoid diagnosing these conditions before 6 years of age as the child’s brain and behaviour are still rapidly developing.

At this early stage, it’s difficult to distinguish between what might be a temporary delay and what constitutes a long-term disorder. Many behaviours that seem atypical—such as tantrums, speech delays, or social withdrawal—can still fall within the wide range of normal development in young children.

Looking for the Redflags:

Although the signs of every disorder in this category varies widely from one another, yet DSM has stated some common signs that a parent should look out in the early years of their child’s development, I am taking about toddlers specifically from 1-3 years of ages.

The signs and symptoms can be ranged from the intellectual abilities to certain behavioral patterns and are more intense or frequent than compared to the behaviors normally shown in children of same developmental phase.

Common Signs to lookout for:

Speech and Language Delay-

• By 3–4 months: No babbling or response to loud sounds.
• By 7 months: Doesn’t respond to sounds or take turns making sounds.
• By 1 year: Doesn’t say simple words (“mama,” “dada”) or understand basic commands like “no” or “bye.”
• By 2 years: Doesn’t use two-word phrases (without repetition), avoids gestures (pointing, nodding), or doesn’t use speech to express needs (like hunger or potty).

Motor Skill Delay-

• By 3–4 months: Doesn’t reach for, grasp, or hold objects; struggles to support head or bring hands to mouth.
• By 6–7 months: Doesn’t roll over, bear weight on legs, or push up with straight arms while on tummy.
• By 9–12 months:Can’t sit without help, crawl, or stand when supported; may drag one side while crawling.
• By 18–24 months:Can’t walk, push wheeled toys, climb stairs with help, run, or use a spoon.

Social and Emotional Delay

• By 3–4 months: Doesn’t smile at people, respond to playful interaction, or show interest in new faces.
• By 6–7 months: Doesn’t laugh, squeal, smile without prompting, or enjoy social games like peekaboo.
• By 9–12 months:Lacks back-and-forth gestures (waving, pointing), doesn’t share sounds or smiles, or avoids games like patty-cake.   

Cognitive Delay–

• By 1 year: Doesn’t search for hidden objects even after watching them being hidden, doesn’t use simple gestures like waving or pointing, or doesn’t try to place small items into containers (like a toy into a cup).
• By 2 years: Doesn’t follow basic instructions, can’t imitate words or actions, doesn’t know the use of common objects (like a brush or spoon), doesn’t use both hands in coordination (e.g., holding a bottle while unscrewing the lid), or shows limited interest in varied toys.

Also keep an eye on:

• Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking, lining up toys
• Overdependence on routines (e.g., distress when routine changes)
• Poor understanding of social cues (e.g., doesn’t grasp waving, nodding)
• Difficulty forming or maintaining friendships as they grow
• Frequent tantrums in unstructured settings or when frustrated
• Clumsiness or awkward physical movements that interfere with daily tasks
• Trouble following multi-step instructions or focusing in group settings

Role of the Parent_

• Be observant and patient — sometimes, small signs speak volumes.
• Let go of stigma — your child isn’t broken, just blooming a little differently.
• Reach out to a trusted specialist who can walk you through this journey with care.
• Create a calm, loving space where your child feels safe, seen, and supported.
• Keep communication open within the family — understanding grows through honesty.
• Celebrate every small step forward, because progress is progress, no matter how slow.
• Stay steady with the recommended therapies — consistency builds confidence.
• Keep learning — the more you know, the better you can nurture.
• And most importantly, remind yourself: early support is not just help — it’s hope.

What it means for the child in future?

• It’s easier to manage while they’re still little– Toddlers are still growing and learning fast, so small changes can make a big impact.
• They get a better chance to catch up– With the right support, many kids can reach the same milestones as their peers over time.
• It lowers the risk of bigger challenges later– Spotting delays early can help prevent more serious issues in school or social life down the line.
• It helps your child feel more confident– When kids can express themselves and keep up with others, they feel more included and sure of themselves.
• It makes parenting less stressful– Knowing what’s going on and how to help brings relief and more positive interactions.
• Your bond with your child can grow stronger– Understanding their needs helps you connect better and support them in just the right way.

Looking at this situation, I’ve realized that although developmental delays are commonly discussed among mental health professionals, they’re still not talked about enough among parents.
There’s a real need to raise awareness about this issue — because the earlier we know, the better we can help.
Sharing this information means spreading it, and that’s one step closer to creating real change.

If you found this post helpful or believe someone else might, consider passing it along. Sometimes, a small act like sharing can make a big difference in a child’s journey.