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.

What Causes Developmental Delays in Children?

Q: What is the most common cause of developmental delays?

Common causes include prematurity, hearing issues, genetic conditions, neurological differences, autism spectrum characteristics, and limited language exposure.

Q: Can developmental delays be corrected?

Yes. With early intervention therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, many children show significant improvement in developmental milestones.

Q: Does screen time cause developmental delays?

Excessive screen time can reduce real-life interaction and language exposure, which may contribute to delays in speech, attention, and social skills.

Q: Is developmental delay the same as autism?

No. Autism is one of many potential causes of developmental delay. Many children with developmental delays do not have autism.

Q: When should I worry about my child’s development?

If a child consistently misses milestones in speech, movement, social interaction, or thinking skills, a developmental screening is recommended.

Q: Who should I consult if I suspect a delay?

A Licensed Early Interventionist, such as Dr. Devi Raj at Pranaah Child Development Centre, can assess your child and recommend the right therapies.

Team Pranaah
Nov 30, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Dec 20, 2025

What Causes Developmental Delays in Children?

A Parent’s Guide by Pranaah Child Development Centre, Kollam

Under the leadership of Dr. Devi Raj, Licensed Early Interventionist

Every child grows at their own pace, but some children take longer to develop speech, movement, social skills, or learning abilities. This can be confusing, worrying, and emotionally challenging for parents. At Pranaah Child Development Centre, led by Dr. Devi Raj — a Licensed Early Interventionist, we support families every day who are asking:

“Why is my child delayed in speech?”
“Why is my child not walking or talking like other children?”
“What causes developmental delays?”
“Is there something I should have done earlier?”

This guide explains, in simple and reassuring language, the most common causes of developmental delays — and what you can do as a parent.

Pranaah Child Development Centre, led by Dr. Devi Raj — a Licensed Early Interventionist, we support families every day who are asking

⭐ What Are Developmental Delays?

A developmental delay means a child is developing slower than expected in one or more areas:

Speech & Language
Movement (Gross & Fine Motor Skills)
Cognitive Skills (Thinking & Problem-Solving)
Social & Emotional Development
Self-Help Skills (Eating, Dressing, Play Without Support)

A delay doesn’t mean a child cannot learn — it simply means they need extra support, especially early in life.

⭐ Common Causes of Developmental Delays in Children

Under the guidance of Dr. Devi Raj, Pranaah follows evidence-based assessment to understand the root causes. Here are the most common reasons:

1️⃣ Genetic or Chromosomal Conditions

Some delays occur due to genetic differences such as:

Down Syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome
Other genetic abnormalities

These affect overall development, but early intervention significantly improves outcomes.

2️⃣ Premature Birth

Babies born too early often have:

Weaker muscles
Feeding difficulties
Delayed speech
Increased risk for developmental challenges

Many premature babies catch up with proper therapy.

3️⃣ Hearing or Vision Problems

A child who cannot hear or see well may:

Speak late
Struggle with social interaction
Find it hard to follow instructions

Early screening is essential.

4️⃣ Neurological Conditions

Conditions affecting the brain may contribute to delays:

Cerebral palsy
Seizure disorders
Brain injuries

Early therapy supports mobility, communication, and learning.

5️⃣ Autism Spectrum Differences

Children with autism may show delays in:

Speech
Eye contact
Social interaction
Play skills

Many parents first notice that their child “is not speaking like others.”

With early intervention, children show excellent progress.

6️⃣ Environmental Factors

The child’s surroundings also play a role:

Limited language exposure
Excessive screen time
Lack of play opportunities
Poor nutrition
Neglect or trauma

Small changes in daily routine can make a big difference.

7️⃣ Medical Conditions

Illnesses, infections, or long hospital stays may impact development.

Examples include:

Chronic ear infections
Low birthweight
Nutritional deficiencies
Untreated jaundice in newborns

8️⃣ Unknown Causes

In many cases, parents have done nothing wrong.Sometimes delays happen without any clear cause.

What matters most is early identification and the right support.

⭐ Early Signs Parents Often Notice

You should seek a developmental evaluation if your child:

Isn’t speaking words by 18 months
Has unclear speech after age 3
Doesn’t follow instructions
Avoids eye contact
Isn’t walking by 18–20 months
Struggles to hold a pencil or feed themselves
Has difficulty interacting with other children
Displays repetitive behaviours
Has sensory issues

⭐ The Importance of Early Intervention

Research proves that the earlier the support, the better the progress.

Under the leadership of Dr. Devi Raj, Pranaah offers structured early intervention programs that:

✔ Build communication✔ Strengthen motor skills✔ Improve social & emotional development✔ Reduce behavioural challenges✔ Support school readiness✔ Empower parents with guided home programs

Early intervention doesn’t just help children — it strengthens families.

🏥 How Pranaah Child Development Centre Helps

Our services include:

Developmental Screening
Early Intervention Therapy
Speech & Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy (Sensory Integration)
Behaviour Therapy
Autism Screening
Parent Coaching
School Readiness Programs

All assessments and therapies follow a child-friendly, play-based approach guided by Dr. Devi Raj’s expertise.

📞 **Concerned About Your Child’s Development? +919446010728

Pranaah Is Here to Support Your Family.

Pranaah Child Development Centre – Kollam, Kerala Holistic care for child development and early learning.

❓ FAQ: What Causes Developmental Delays in Children?

1. What is the most common cause of developmental delays?

Delays often occur due to prematurity, hearing issues, autism spectrum differences, genetic conditions, or limited language exposure.

2. Can developmental delays be corrected?

Yes. With early therapy and consistent intervention, most children show remarkable improvement.

3. Does screen time cause developmental delays?

Too much screen time can reduce language exposure and affect attention, social skills, and speech development.

4. Is developmental delay the same as autism?

No. Autism is one possible cause of delay, but many children have developmental delays without autism.

5. When should I worry about my child’s development?

If your child is consistently missing milestones — especially in speech, social skills, or motor development — it’s best to get a developmental screening.