Understanding Your Child’s Development
This guide explains common developmental and learning conditions, their early warning signs, and practical next steps so parents can seek timely help. All information is based on international classification systems (DSM‑5‑TR / ICD‑11) and Indian prevalence data where available.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What it means: Differences in social communication and a strong preference for routine or repetitive behaviour.
How common? Roughly 1 in 100 children worldwide; similar rates reported in Indian surveys.
Early Red Signs
- No social smile by 6 months, little eye contact.
- No pointing, waving, or other gestures by 12 months.
- No words by 16 months or phrases by 24 months.
- Strong reactions to minor routine changes or certain sounds/textures.
Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
What it means: Ongoing challenges with attention, activity level, and impulsive actions in more than one setting (home, school).
How common? About 1 child in every classroom (5%).
Red Signs (Age 4 +)
- Cannot sit through a short story or meal.
- Loses pencils, books, or water bottles almost daily.
- Talks nonstop, interrupts, or takes unsafe risks.
- Homework full of “careless” mistakes even after clear teaching.
Intellectual Disability (ID)
What it means: Significant delays in learning and daily living skills (IQ < 70) starting before age 18.
How common? Around 1.4 % of Indian children (NFHS‑5).
Red Signs
- Sitting, walking, and speaking all later than peers by >6 months.
- Struggles to remember colours, numbers, or simple concepts.
- Needs help with dressing, eating, or toileting well past the usual age.
Speech & Language Disorders
What it means: Trouble pronouncing sounds, putting words together, or speaking smoothly.
Red Signs (Age Guide)
- By 2 yrs: Fewer than 50 words or no two‑word phrases.
- By 3 yrs: Speech understood by strangers < 50 %.
- Frequent repetitions or blocks (possible stuttering).
- Mouth “searches” for positions before speaking (possible apraxia).
Other Conditions Parents Should Know
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Movement and posture disorder due to early brain injury. Red flags: stiff or floppy muscles, preference for one side of the body, primitive reflexes persisting beyond 6 months.
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
“Motor clumsiness” that affects handwriting, dressing, and sports. Child may avoid playground, drop items often.
Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)
Dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing), or dyscalculia (maths) despite average intelligence and adequate classroom teaching. Look for slow, effortful reading after age 8.
Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Genetic condition with characteristic facial features, low muscle tone, and moderate intellectual disability. Early therapy improves speech and motor skills.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Frequent temper outbursts, arguing with adults, and deliberate defiance lasting >6 months. Different from occasional “naughtiness.”
Anxiety Disorders
Excessive worries, school refusal, stomach‑aches before exams, clinginess in younger children. Symptoms last weeks, not just during stressful events.
Epilepsy & Seizures
Brief staring spells, sudden jerks, or full convulsions. Any first seizure warrants urgent medical evaluation.
Hearing Loss
No response to loud sounds, delayed babbling, TV volume very high. All newborns should have a hearing screen (OAE/ABR).
Vision Impairment
Squinting, head‑tilting, or holding books very close. Check eyes at birth, 6 months, 3 yrs, and every 2 yrs afterwards.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Over‑ or under‑reacts to touch, sound, or movement—e.g., hates hair‑cuts, or seeks rough play constantly. Occupational therapy with sensory integration can help.