How do I know if my child needs evaluation?

If you notice delays in speech, social skills, behaviour, learning, motor skills, or if your child is not meeting age-appropriate milestones, an evaluation is recommended. Early assessment helps identify developmental needs and ensures timely intervention.

Do you provide therapy services to very young children?

Yes. Pranaah Child Development Centre provides early intervention and therapy services for infants and toddlers. Early support can significantly improve developmental outcomes.

What should I do if I do not know which therapy is most appropriate for my child?

A comprehensive assessment is the best way to determine which therapy your child needs. At Pranaah, specialists evaluate your child's strengths and developmental challenges and recommend the right intervention plan.

Assessment is a structured evaluation conducted by qualified professionals to understand a child's developmental, cognitive, behavioural, speech, and motor abilities. It helps identify concerns and guides the therapy plan.

How long does an assessment take?

Most assessments take 45–90 minutes depending on the child's age, cooperation, and the type of testing required. In some cases, multiple sessions may be needed.

What do I need to bring for the evaluation of my child?

Parents are advised to bring the child's medical history, previous reports, school feedback, birth details, and any relevant documents. This helps specialists make an accurate developmental profile.

Can I bring other children to the assessment session?

For best results, it is recommended to attend the session with only the child being assessed. A quiet, distraction-free environment helps the therapist conduct accurate evaluations.

Should both parents attend the assessment session?

Yes, if possible. Both parents attending helps provide complete background information and ensures that everyone clearly understands the findings and recommendations.

Do I get a report after assessment, and can I submit it to my child’s school?

Yes. After the assessment, a detailed report is provided. This report can be submitted to your child’s school, paediatrician, or other professionals for support and academic planning.

How long is the assessment report valid?

Reports are generally valid for 6–12 months depending on how quickly your child progresses. However, if there are major concerns or rapid developmental changes, an updated evaluation may be needed sooner.

Will the therapist discuss findings with parents after the assessment?

Yes. After the assessment, the therapist will explain the findings, discuss your child's strengths and needs, and recommend the best intervention or therapy plan.

Is My Child’s Development on Track?A Parent’s Guide to Milestones (0–5 Years)

Q: When should babies start talking?

Babies begin babbling by 6–7 months and usually say their first words by 12–18 months. Delays may require developmental screening.

Q: How do I know if my child has a developmental delay?

If your child regularly misses milestones in speech, motor skills, social interaction, or behaviour, it may indicate a developmental delay that needs evaluation.

Q: Is it normal for children to develop at different speeds?

Yes, every child develops uniquely. However, significant delays, regression, or lack of progress should be assessed early.

Q: What causes developmental delays?

Causes vary and may include genetics, premature birth, hearing problems, autism, neurological issues, or slow maturation. Early intervention can help significantly.

Q: What is early intervention and why is it important?

Early intervention programs support children during their critical brain development years. They improve communication, learning, motor skills, and independence.

Q: What should I do if I’m concerned about my child’s milestones?

You should seek a developmental assessment. Pranaah provides screenings, early intervention, and therapy services to support your child’s growth.

Team Pranaah
11 hours ago
3 min read

**Is My Child’s Development on Track?

A Parent’s Guide to Milestones (0–5 Years)**

By Pranaah Child Development Centre, Kollam

Every parent wants to understand how their child is growing.Questions we hear every day at Pranaah include:

“Is my child walking and talking at the right age?”

“Why is my child not speaking yet?”

“Should I worry if my child is not social?”

“What milestones should my child reach at this age?”

Children grow at their own pace—but knowing the major milestones helps parents recognise when to support their child early. Early detection and early intervention are the keys to helping children thrive.

This guide explains developmental milestones from birth to 5 years, the red flags to watch for, and when to seek expert help.

⭐ What Are Developmental Milestones?

Milestones are skills most children achieve around a specific age. They fall under five areas:

Gross Motor Skills – sitting, crawling, walking
Fine Motor Skills – grasping, drawing, self-care
Language & Communication – speaking, understanding
Social & Emotional Skills – bonding, sharing, social responses
Cognitive Skills – solving problems, learning, imitation

👶 0–12 Months: Baby Milestones

What to Expect

Responds to sounds and faces
Smiles socially by 2–3 months
Rolls over by 4–6 months
Sits without support by 6–8 months
Babbles (“mama”, “dada”)
Pulls to stand by 10–12 months
Shows interest in people and toys

Red Flags

No smiling by 3 months
No babbling by 6–7 months
No response to name by 9–12 months
Floppy or very stiff muscles

👶➡️🧒 1–2 Years: Toddler Milestones

What to Expect

Walks independently
Says 10–20 words by 18 months
Points to objects
Imitates actions
Drinks from a cup
Shows stranger anxiety
Uses 2-word phrases by age 2

Red Flags

No meaningful words by 18 months
No pointing or gestures
Poor eye contact
Not walking by 18 months
Doesn’t follow simple instructions

🧒 2–3 Years: Early Childhood Milestones

What to Expect

Runs, jumps, climbs
Says 50+ words
Forms 2–3 word sentences
Plays beside (and sometimes with) peers
Begins pretend play
Follows 2-step instructions

Red Flags

Very unclear speech
No pretend or imaginative play
Not interacting with others
Repetitive behaviours or fixation on objects

🧒➡️👧 3–4 Years: Preschool Milestones

What to Expect

Speaks in longer sentences
Knows colors and shapes
Draws simple figures
Plays cooperatively
Understands simple rules
Shows empathy

Red Flags

Difficulty communicating
Frequent meltdowns due to sensory issues
Trouble with basic motor tasks (jumping, climbing)

👧 4–5 Years: School-Readiness Milestones

What to Expect

Speaks clearly and tells simple stories
Understands time concepts ("yesterday", "today")
Holds pencil with correct grip
Buttons zips, dresses with minimal help
Plays in groups and follows instructions
Builds attention span

Red Flags

Very short attention span
Difficulty following instructions
Trouble with fine motor tasks (drawing, writing)
Limited social interaction

🧠 When Should Parents Seek Help?

Seek a developmental evaluation if your child:

✔ Is missing key milestones✔ Shows delayed speech or poor eye contact✔ Has sensory sensitivities✔ Has trouble interacting with others✔ Loses skills they once had✔ Struggles with behaviour or attention

Early assessment does not label a child—it empowers parents with clarity and direction.

🏥 How Pranaah Child Development Centre Helps

Pranaah offers:

Developmental Screening
Speech & Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Early Intervention
Behaviour Therapy
Sensory Integration Therapy
Special Education
Parent Training Programs

Our multi-disciplinary team creates a customised plan to support your child’s growth.

📞 Worried About Your Child’s Development?

You’re not alone—and early support makes a big difference.

Pranaah Child Development Centre – Kollam, Kerala. Helping children reach their fullest potential with holistic care. Helpline +919446010728

❓ FAQ: Is My Child’s Development on Track?

1. When should babies start talking?

Babies begin babbling by 6–7 months and typically say their first words by 12–18 months.

2. How do I know if my child has a developmental delay?

If your child consistently misses key milestones in speech, movement, social interaction, or behaviour, a developmental screening is recommended.

3. Is it normal for children to develop at different speeds?

Yes. Some variation is normal—but significant delays or regression should be evaluated early.

4. What causes developmental delays?

Causes can include genetics, premature birth, hearing issues, autism spectrum, birth complications, or simply slow development. Many children catch up with early support.

5. What is early intervention and why is it important?

Early intervention provides structured therapy during the most critical years of brain development. It improves learning, communication, behaviour, and independence.