{"id":125418,"date":"2026-04-01T19:30:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T19:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/?post_type=services&#038;p=125418"},"modified":"2026-04-01T19:31:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T19:31:32","slug":"developmental-delay","status":"publish","type":"services","link":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/services\/developmental-delay\/","title":{"rendered":"Developmental Delay"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":1,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":""},"tags":[840,309,110,414,435],"modal_window":[16,405],"class_list":["post-125418","services","type-services","status-publish","hentry","tag-developmental-delay","tag-early-development","tag-kids","tag-mary-free-bed","tag-mary-free-bed-kids","modal_window-kids-conditions-services","modal_window-kids-nav-conditions-and-services"],"acf":{"kids_branding":true,"title_override":"Developmental Delay","individual_page_toggle":true,"body_sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"content_editor":"<h2>Helping Children Grow, Learn and Reach Their Full Potential<\/h2>\r\nEvery child grows and develops at their own pace. Some children crawl earlier, some talk later and some need a little extra support along the way. When a child doesn\u2019t reach expected skills within a typical timeframe, it may be called a developmental delay.\r\n\r\nAt Mary Free Bed Kids, we specialize in identifying developmental delays early. We provide personalized therapy plans that help children build strength, confidence and independence. Our team partners with families to help children reach important milestones\u2014one step at a time.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>What is developmental delay?<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Understanding the Basics<\/strong>\r\n\r\nDevelopmental delay occurs when a child doesn\u2019t meet expected milestones in one or more areas of development. These areas typically include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Gross motor skills (big movements like sitting, crawling or walking)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Fine motor skills (small movements like grasping toys or using utensils)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Speech and language<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Cognitive skills (thinking, problem-solving and learning)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Social and emotional skills<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Adaptive skills (daily living tasks like dressing or feeding)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nChildren develop at different speeds, and a delay doesn\u2019t automatically mean a long-term diagnosis. In some cases, children simply need additional support and therapy. Other times, developmental delay may be related to an underlying medical or neurological condition.\r\n\r\nThe good news? Early intervention makes a powerful difference.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Developmental Milestones<\/h2>\r\nDevelopmental milestones are skills most children achieve by certain ages. Below, you\u2019ll see some key developmental milestones for various ages.\r\n\r\n<strong>Infants (Birth to 12 Months)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nDuring the first year of life, babies grow and change quickly. Important milestones may include:\r\n\r\n<strong>By 2\u20133 months:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Lifts head during tummy time<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Begins smiling at caregivers<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Makes cooing sounds<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>By 4\u20136 months:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Rolls over<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Reaches for toys<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Laughs and responds to sounds<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Begins sitting with support<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>By 9 months:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Sits independently<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Babbles (e.g., \u201cba-ba,\u201d \u201cda-da\u201d)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Responds to their name<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Transfers objects between hands<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>By 12 months:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Pulls to stand or cruises along furniture<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Says simple words like \u201cmama\u201d or \u201cdada\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Waves or points<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Shows preferences for familiar people<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nIf a child isn\u2019t showing several of these skills, it may be helpful to speak with a pediatrician or developmental specialist.\r\n\r\n<strong>Toddlers (1\u20133 Years)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe toddler years bring major growth in movement, communication and independence.\r\n\r\n<strong>By 18 months:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Walks independently<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Uses 5\u201310 words<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Points to show interest<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Begins simple pretend play<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>By 2 years:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Runs and climbs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Combines two words (\u201cmore milk\u201d)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Follows simple directions<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Begins parallel play with other children<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>By 3 years:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Jumps with both feet<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Speaks in short sentences<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Names familiar objects<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Shows a wider range of emotions<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nIf a toddler has limited speech, difficulty walking or challenges interacting with others, early evaluation can help identify next steps.\r\n\r\n<strong>Preschool and Early School Age (3\u20135 Years)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAs children approach school age, development expands into more complex communication and learning skills.\r\n\r\n<strong>By 4 years:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Hops on one foot<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Speaks clearly enough for strangers to understand<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Follows multi-step instructions<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Plays cooperatively with peers<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>By 5 years:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Dresses independently<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tells simple stories<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Recognizes letters or numbers<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Demonstrates improved balance and coordination<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nDelays at this stage may impact readiness for kindergarten and early learning.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Signs of Developmental Delay<\/h2>\r\n<strong>When to Seek Support<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWhile every child is unique, families should consider an evaluation if they notice:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Not sitting by 9 months<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Not walking by 18 months<\/li>\r\n \t<li>No single words by 16 months<\/li>\r\n \t<li>No two-word phrases by age 2<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Limited eye contact or social engagement<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Difficulty feeding or swallowing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Trouble using hands for age-appropriate tasks<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Regression (loss of previously learned skills)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nTrust your instincts. If something feels different or concerning, early evaluation is always the right step.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>What causes developmental delay?<\/h2>\r\nDevelopmental delay can have many possible causes, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Premature birth<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Genetic conditions<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Neurological disorders<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Brain injury<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Muscle or movement disorders<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Hearing or vision impairments<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Environmental factors<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Unknown causes<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSometimes, no specific cause is identified, and children still make tremendous progress with therapy.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>A Comprehensive, Child-Focused Approach<\/h2>\r\nOur Pediatric Rehabilitation Team conducts thorough developmental assessments that may include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Medical history review<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Standardized developmental testing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Movement and coordination evaluation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Speech and language evaluation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Feeding and swallowing evaluation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Cognitive and learning evaluation<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe look at the \u201cwhole child,\u201d not just one skill set. Families are active participants in this process, sharing insights about their child\u2019s strengths, personality and daily routines.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Treatment and Therapy for Developmental Delay<\/h2>\r\nTreatment depends on which areas of development are affected. Therapy may include:\r\n\r\n<strong>Physical Therapy (PT)<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/services\/physical-therapy\/\">Physical therapists<\/a> help children improve:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Strength<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Balance<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Coordination<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Walking and mobility<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Gross motor milestones<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor infants and toddlers, therapy often focuses on rolling, crawling, standing and walking.\r\n\r\n<strong>Occupational Therapy (OT)<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/services\/occupational-therapy\/\">Occupational therapists<\/a> support:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Fine motor skills<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Hand-eye coordination<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Sensory processing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Self-care tasks (feeding, dressing, grooming)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Play skills<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOT helps children gain independence in everyday activities.\r\n\r\n<strong>Speech and Language Therapy<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/services\/speech-language-therapy\/\">Speech-language pathologists<\/a> assist with:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Expressive and receptive language<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Articulation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Social communication<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Feeding and swallowing challenges<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nCommunication is essential for learning and connection. Early therapy helps build a strong foundation for a lifetime of communication.\r\n\r\n<strong>Feeding Therapy<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIf a child struggles with chewing, swallowing or transitioning to solid foods, feeding specialists and dietitians work together to improve safety and nutrition.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Developmental and Behavioral Support<\/h2>\r\nSome children benefit from additional services that focus on:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Attention and focus<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Emotional regulation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Social interaction<\/li>\r\n \t<li>School readiness<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOur team collaborates closely with families and schools to ensure consistency and progress.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>The Importance of Early Intervention<\/h2>\r\nResearch consistently shows that early therapy leads to better outcomes. The brain is most adaptable in early childhood, meaning new skills can develop more efficiently with timely support.\r\n\r\nEarly intervention can:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Improve long-term independence<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Strengthen communication skills<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Reduce frustration<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Improve school readiness<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Boost family confidence<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nEven small gains early on can create meaningful change over time.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Partnering With Families<\/h2>\r\n<strong>You\u2019re Part of the Team<\/strong>\r\n\r\nParents and caregivers play a critical role in supporting developmental progress. We empower families with:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Home exercise programs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Strategies to encourage language growth<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Play-based learning ideas<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Feeding guidance<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tools for managing routines and transitions<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nTherapy doesn\u2019t stop when you leave the clinic. We help families feel confident supporting progress at home, daycare and school.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>What to Expect During Therapy<\/h2>\r\nEach child\u2019s therapy journey is unique, but most plans include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Regular therapy sessions (weekly or multiple times per week)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Measurable goals based on developmental milestones<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ongoing progress updates<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Adjustments as skills improve<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSome children need short-term support, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy, depending on their needs.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Supporting Growth Every Step of the Way<\/h2>\r\nWatching your child grow is one of life\u2019s greatest joys. When development feels uncertain, it can also bring questions and worries. Our pediatric rehabilitation specialists are here to guide, support and celebrate progress alongside your family.\r\n\r\nWith expert evaluation, personalized therapy and compassionate care, children with developmental delay can build skills, confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nIf you have concerns about your child\u2019s milestones or development, contact our team to learn more about evaluation and therapy options. Together, we can help your child move forward.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Will my child \u201ccatch up?\u201d<\/strong>\r\n\r\nMany children with mild delays catch up with early therapy. Others may continue to develop at their own pace but still make meaningful progress and gain independence.\r\n\r\n<strong>Does developmental delay mean my child has a lifelong condition?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNot always. Developmental delay is a description, not a diagnosis. Some children outgrow delays, while others may later receive a specific diagnosis that guides ongoing support.\r\n\r\n<strong>How soon should I seek help?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nYou should seek help as soon as you notice a concern. There\u2019s no downside to early evaluation, and early action often leads to the best outcomes."}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services\/125418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/services"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=125418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=125418"},{"taxonomy":"modal_window","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/modal_window?post=125418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}