Each child develops at his own pace. Nevertheless, it may happen that some children have a delay in one or more areas of development (social, language, motor, etc.). Margo, education specialist, has compiled a list of some signs that relatives should be concerned about for a young child between the ages of 2 and 3 years.
Social Sphere:
Establishes little or no eye contact with relatives;
Does not respond to the smile of a person that the child knows;
Demonstrates little interest in playing with others;
Is not inclined to share his joy or his creations with others;
Engages in play that is repetitive and unimaginative.
Language Sphere:
Does not respond when his name is called;
Seems not understand simple instructions (e.g. “Go get your teddy bear and show it to Grandma. “);
Presents with a language delay (e.gt. At the age of 2 years, the child should use more than 100 words and make two word combinations);
Compensates the speech delay a little by the use of gestures (among others, points).
Behavioral Sphere:
Tolerates little or no changes in routines (these can cause a crisis);
Narrow interests, repetitive and sometimes unusual behavior;
Demonstrates an important concern for objects;
Reacts intensively or does not react vis-à-vis certain sensory stimuli.
Obviously, the presence of one of these signs in a child does not mean that the child has a neurodevelopmental disorder. On the contrary, if you observe at least some of these signs in your child, Margo recommends that you talk to your family doctor or contact a professional (e.g. educational psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, etc.). There are interventions that can help your child develop harmoniously.
Reference:
Red Flags for children birth to six years. A quick reference guide for early years professionals. Early Identification in Leeds, Grenville & Lanark. Novembre 2007. Simcoe County Early Intervention Council.
Vanessa Gagnon, Special Education Teacher – vgagnon@crcm.ca – www.crcm.ca
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