Babies: 9 - 12 Months
Developmental Delay
Today my pedi suggested my son may have a delay. Well, we know he's delayed, but to the degree that he needs to see a specialist was confirmed today. He is cruising and pulling up, so lately we've dismissed the fact he's not moving from lay to sit, crawling, laying on his tummy, getting on his knees, AND not waving, clapping or playing patty cake. I guess I've sort of been in denial. Today she suggested that his motor skills are significantly behind so to make an appt - which I will tomorrow.
She also noted that when he's upset and needs comforting he grabs his shirt or chest. He does it often. At first I thought it just meant he was tired, but it happens often now.
Any help, advice, stories would be appreciated!
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Re: Developmental Delay
I'm sure if you are pro-active about it and work with him on what the specialists say he will catch up!
What did they say about the shirt/chest grabbing? My daughter has been doing that every once in a while, but I didn't think much of it. I though it was maybe a temper tantrum type thing.
This. I think it's great that your pedi is being proactive about it. I've read many posts for other mamas in similar situations and it seems early intervention has been great for their LO's as well.
My son is a lot younger, but I have a friend who was very worried about her 11 month old. She didn't do pretty much any of the stuff you listed. Then all of a sudden in the few weeks leading up to her 1st birthday she started crawling, waving, pulling to a stand, and said her first word.
She's an adorable quiet little girl who was apparently just taking everything in. Maybe yours is doing the same!
Thanks ladies...you made an incredibly tough day better. I hope he's just moving faster in some areas than other. I hope it's nothing more that a small problem, we can help to develop. I'm confident we can do it, but it doesn't make it any less scary.
It also doesn't help I have an Occupational therapist for a mother in law. She has stayed moot this entire time, just suggesting he's delayed, but confirmed today she also seems some areas of concern. Neither she nor the pedi had a reason for the shirt/chest pulling/grabbing. I'm not sure what that could mean.
An evaluation does not mean a diagnosis. Your pedi may just want to be cautious about his development. All babies develop at different times so try to not dwell on it too much. I know that is easier said than done.
Matthew does not wave or clap or play pattycake. I brought that up to my pedi and my brother who is a pedi and they said it wasn't a big deal. He also grabs his shirt or my shirt and tugs when he is upset. It is important to remember that they have no other way of communicating with us and can get frustrated. Matthew has never layed on his tummy without raising hell. Ever. He started crawling and walking about the same time. He crawled in a downward dog position. My point is that there may be nothing wrong with his development. Wait and see what they say after evaluating him. Try to not freak out. Hugs.
Oh - try to write down important info that they will ask you at the evaluation. Such as if you had any complications during pregnancy, weight & length at birth, when he started to raise his head, sit unsupported, start pulling up, taking first steps and such.
totally agree! Anyhting you do is only going to help LO grow strong and healthy! You know your child the best, and you will make the right decisions!
best of luck!
This!
Unfortunately I work with developmentally delayed clients, which makes me constantly wonder if Gabe is delayed. I always compare, yet he is his own person. He doesn't wave, he doesn't clap, he doesnt play patty cake. He is doing just fine. I think as a mother we worry about it being the worst, when it reality sometimes its not so bad. It's best that the doctor wanted him to be seen, especially at a young age. I know a person whos 3 year old still doesn't even babble, and they FINALLY agreed to take him to a specialist. I'm happy your being so proactive. Its a good thing to get it checked out, but like MCC said, its just a evaluation. Don't fret too much
Its what happens when you're in the field...you worry about everything. I just wanted to add that I know a lot of kids who were delayed and recieved EI and are right on par with other kids thier age now!
Good luck with the EI appt. Its great to have someone assess your child and make sure there are no concerns that go unnoticed until its too late to correct.
I just wanted to share that you should try your best to not worry and continue to enjoy the beautiful moments with your child. My son suffered minor brain damage at birth and we go to EI appointments every 6 weeks. He's is doing great but we are watching him carefully in case something begins to develop we can intervene early.
The best advice another mother that is going through EI with her child (dx cerebral palsy) is to prepare for the worst but hope for the best and don't waste your time worrying excessively. Don't let it take time away from enjoying your LO. Life is full of surprises.