Although your child may be only 3-4 years old, their behavior in class can tell you a lot about their growth. One in five school-age children suffers from a learning or attention disability. Early signs can often be seen in toddlers and preschoolers as developmental delays.
“However, children are different and there are many possibilities for what is causing any behavior,” said Rebecca Parlakian, Senior Director of Programs at Zero to Three, The National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families.
Fine motor skills delays could be an indication of something more serious. One thing is certain: Parents and teachers will see delays early and begin interventions to improve the academic and social performance of their children.
These nine questions will help you determine if your preschooler or toddler is on the right track.
1. Are They able to speak 200 words or more?
The majority of 3-year-olds are able to recall basic pronouns like “you” and “me”, as well as the words for everyday objects and body parts. They will also ask “Why?” They will also begin to use plurals. A learning disability that causes speech and language problems in children is often called an auditory-or language processing disorder. This is a condition where the brain has trouble understanding or using language or sound.
Mark Griffin, Ph.D., a specialist in special education, consults with Understood. This advocacy group is for parents and children with learning and attention problems. If you are concerned, your pediatrician can perform a hearing assessment on your child before they reach age 5.
2. Can They Tell You How Old They Are
Preschoolers should be able to count and hold their fingers up for the number 36 months. They should be able “count”, meaning they should be able to recite multiple numbers in an order, although they may skip some. Children can count up to 20 by age 4. Dr. Griffin suggests that a persistent delay in this area could be a sign of dyscalculia. This is a learning disability that affects understanding numbers and telling the time.
3. Is Your Child able to Recognize the ABCs of Life?
Children should be able recognize at least ten letters from 3 to 4 years of age. Some children can recognize their first names or a few words that they see often. Your child may be falling behind their peers in this area due to language-processing disorder, dyslexia, or a learning disability that affects reading, writing, spelling, and grammar.
4. Is your child less mature than other children their age?
According to the National Institutes of Health, ADHD children could be three years behind their peers in brain development according to one study. Parlakian says that it is important to have good social and emotional skills when transitioning into kindergarten.
Children need to learn how to work with their peers and to manage their frustrations without throwing tantrums or hitting the ground running. Parlakian says that even adults can get frustrated from time to time, but children should be able, by age 5, to manage their emotions in an age-appropriate manner. For example, they should be able persevere through a challenge or obstacle instead of giving in to frustration like a younger child.
Your child may not be able to do everything yet. This does not mean that they are suffering from ADHD or will have a learning disability. Dr. Griffin says, “But, you should still keep an eye on it.”
5. Do They Want to “Read “?
Preschoolers are able to answer questions about the images in books. They can also pretend to be reading by turning pages and creating stories from the illustrations. Most can also recall lines from a favorite book and can do so by age 4. Or will catch you if you try to skip over something. Gah!) They are now learning that pictures tell stories and that letters on pages signify literacy skills.
6. What are their table manners?
Most children can hold a spoon and fork with their fingers between the ages of 3 and 4. Preschoolers should be able to hold a thick crayon and marker with their fingers. If a child isn’t able to do these things, it could indicate a delay in fine motor skills. This could sometimes be a sign of dysgraphia (a learning disability that makes writing difficult).
7. Is your child a “ignorant” friend when they call their name?
This could indicate a visual or auditory processing deficit, which can hinder your child’s ability understand and use information they see or hear. These deficiencies can impact speech, memory, or the ability to locate objects in space.
8. Is Your Child a Stairmaster?
Preschoolers shouldn’t be able to go anywhere without their parents permission. They should be able to walk up and down stairs and jump, as well as operate door handles independently. Children who are unable to do this might have gross motor delays.
9. Are Friends Trying to Play “Pretend?”
Your child should be playing with other children between the ages of 3 and 4. They should also play alongside other children and prefer imaginative, pretend play. Talk to your pediatrician if they aren’t able to play with other children and gravitate toward imaginative, pretend play.
Final verdict
Speech Therapy Karachi can help your child if they are having difficulty with speech. Their team includes experts who can provide play-based therapy. They also have extensive experience working with children, and know how to treat the particular disorder
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