Pediatric Developmental Delays in Lexington, KY
Understanding Pediatric Developmental Delays: Expert Care at Kentucky Therapy Solutions
Your parental instincts are invaluable. If you’ve noticed your child isn’t reaching milestones at the same pace as their peers, you’re not alone. At Kentucky Therapy Solutions in Lexington, KY, we understand the complex emotions and questions that arise when facing potential developmental delays. Our experienced pediatric therapy team combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to support both you and your child on this journey.
What Are Pediatric Developmental Delays?
Pediatric developmental delays occur when children don’t meet expected milestones at typical ages. These delays can affect multiple areas of development, significantly impacting daily life and future success.
Understanding these delays requires looking at development as an interconnected web of skills. When one area faces challenges, it often influences others. For instance, a child struggling with motor skills might become hesitant to engage in social play, potentially affecting their social development as well.
Key Developmental Milestones
Common milestones by age include:
By 12 Months:
- Crawls forward on belly
- Pulls to stand
- Says “mama” and “dada”
- Uses simple gestures
By 24 Months:
- Walks steadily
- Speaks at least 50 words
- Follows simple instructions
- Shows interest in peer play
Olivia Hook Frey
brought my toddler to KYTS after my ped was concerned about the number of words he was saying. We saw Anne and she spent 90 minutes with us, playing and observing our son. I was so impressed with how well she interacted with him, how she prompted him to speak through play, and how she reassured me his development was on track. I was assuming we’d get a recommendation to do regular therapy, but she gave us some things we could work on at home. She reassured me throughout the consultation, which meant so much to a worried mom! Thank you Anne and the KYTS team— we’ll be back in a few weeks for my older son and another issue. Thank you!!
Whitley Brandenburg
Mallory completely changed our lives. We brought up tongue/lip ties to our pediatrician for 2.5 years and they always said our son was fine. We finally went to see a specialist who referred us to KTS with Mallory. She provided amazing services to our son to help him advance his speech. After 4-6 weeks, our son is on track for his age. She helped us through a tongue/lip tie surgery and was always there for any questions we had. Mallory and KTS changed our lives!
Common Causes of Developmental Delays
Understanding the root causes helps create effective treatment plans. Most developmental delays result from a combination of factors:
- Genetic Factors: Inherited conditions or chromosomal variations can affect development patterns across multiple domains.
- Environmental Influences: Limited exposure to stimulation, learning opportunities, or early life stressors can impact development.
- Medical Conditions: Hearing impairments, chronic illnesses, or neurological conditions may affect various developmental areas.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Physical Development
Motor development delays manifest through difficulty with age-appropriate physical activities. Children might struggle with fundamental movements like sitting independently, crawling, or walking. Fine motor skills, such as grasping toys or using eating utensils, may develop more slowly than expected.
Communication and Language
Early communication challenges often present as:
- Limited vocabulary growth
- Difficulty forming basic sentences
- Problems understanding simple directions
- Reduced interest in verbal interaction
Cognitive and Social Development
Children with developmental delays might show:
- Difficulty understanding basic concepts
- Limited interest in cause-and-effect play
- Challenges with peer interaction
- Delayed pretend play skills
Our Comprehensive Treatment Approach
At Kentucky Therapy Solutions, we believe in individualized care that addresses each child’s unique needs. Our evidence-based treatments include:
1. Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapy services focus on developing the skills children need for daily living and learning. Through engaging activities, we help children improve fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-care abilities. Each session is carefully designed to feel like play while building crucial developmental skills.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy sessions combine purposeful play with therapeutic exercises to build strength, improve balance, and develop coordination. Our therapists create an encouraging environment where children can build physical confidence while progressing at their own pace. Whether your child needs help with crawling, walking, or more complex movements, we provide supportive, specialized care.
3. Developmental Play Therapy
Through structured play experiences, we help children develop multiple skills simultaneously. Play therapy sessions target social interaction, problem-solving, communication, and motor skills in a natural, engaging way that motivates children to participate actively in their development.
Meet Our Expert Team
Mallory Leet, M.S. CCC-SLP, brings specialized pediatric therapy experience to our team. Their expertise in developmental delays has helped countless children achieve their milestones and gain confidence in their abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are developmental delays identified? Through comprehensive evaluations comparing a child’s skills to typical developmental milestones. Our expert team uses standardized assessments and clinical observations to determine if a child is experiencing delays in specific areas of development.
Can developmental delays be improved? Yes! Early intervention and consistent therapy can significantly improve developmental delays. Each child’s progress depends on various factors, but our evidence-based treatments have helped many children make substantial improvements.
How can parents support their child’s development? Parents play a crucial role in their child’s progress. We provide detailed home programs and ongoing support to help you create enriching environments and practice skills at home. Regular communication between our team and parents ensures consistent support for your child’s development.
Take the First Step Today
Don’t wait if you’re concerned about your child’s development. Early intervention is key to optimal outcomes. Contact Kentucky Therapy Solutions to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.
Contact Us:
- Phone: Call us at (859) 203-4878.
- Online: Fill out our short form on our Request an Appointment page.
- In-Person: Stop by our clinic in Lexington, KY.
Schedule your child’s evaluation today and take the first step toward supporting their development and success.
At Kentucky Therapy Solutions, we’re committed to helping your child reach their full potential through evidence-based, compassionate care. Schedule your child’s evaluation today and take the first step toward supporting their development and success.