Every child grows at their own pace — but when speech, movement, learning, behavior, or social skills develop slower than expected, it may indicate a developmental delay. Parents across Kundara, Chavara, Kollam, Kottarakkara, Karunagapally, Kayamkulam, Paripally, Punalur, and Pathanapuram often ask:

 

“Why is my child not talking yet?”
“Why is my child not sitting, walking, or learning like others?”
“What exactly causes developmental delays in children?”

This article explains the causes, signs, and when to seek help, along with how Pranaah Child Development Centre, Kollam supports early diagnosis and intervention under the expert leadership of Dr. Devi Raj.

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What Is a Developmental Delay?

A developmental delay occurs when a child does not reach milestones at the expected age in one or more areas:

• Speech & Language

• Motor Skills (gross/fine motor)

• Cognitive / Learning

• Social & Emotional Skills

• Behavior & Self-Regulation

• Sensory Processing

Early identification is crucial because the earlier the support, the faster the improvement.

 

Major Causes of Developmental Delays in Children

Developmental delays can occur due to multiple factors. Here are the most common causes:

 

1. Genetic or Biological Factors

• Family history of delay

• Chromosomal conditions

• Metabolic disorders

• Congenital conditions

These require early assessment and individualized intervention.

2. Birth-Related Complications

• Premature birth

• Low birth weight

• Lack of oxygen during birth

• NICU stay

Premature babies are more likely to show delays in motor skills, attention, and speech.

3. Neurological Factors

• Differences in brain development

• Autism spectrum disorders

• ADHD-related challenges

• Sensory processing disorders

Neurological patterns strongly influence speech, learning, and behavior.

 4. Environmental Factors

• Lack of stimulation

• Reduced social interaction

• Excessive screen time

• Limited communication exposure

Early environment significantly shapes brain growth.

5. Medical Conditions

• Frequent infections

• Vision or hearing impairments

• Epilepsy

• Chronic illness

Untreated medical issues may slow developmental progress.

6. Emotional & Behavioral Factors

• Trauma or stress

• Behavioral rigidity

• Attachment challenges

These may affect speech, social skills, and emotional development.

 7. Unknown Causes

In many cases, developmental delays have no single identifiable cause.
What matters most is timely assessment and early intervention, not waiting for the cause to be identified.

 

Early Signs of Developmental Delay Parents Should Not Ignore

✔ Speech Delay

Not using meaningful words by 18–24 months.

✔ Motor Delay

Late sitting, crawling, walking or poor coordination.

✔ Social Delay

Avoids interaction, eye contact, or imitation.

✔ Behavior Issues

Frequent tantrums, rigidity, hyperactivity, or difficulty following instructions.

✔ Sensory Differences

Overreaction to sound, touch, or movement.

✔ Learning Delay

Difficulty understanding concepts compared to peers.

If these signs appear consistently, early evaluation is recommended.

 

Pranaah CDC – Supporting Children Across Kollam District

Families from the following regions frequently access Pranaah’s early intervention and assessment services:

Kundara | Chavara |  Kollam City  |  Kottarakkara | Karunagapally  |  Kayamkulam

 Paripally |  Punalur |  Pathanapuram

 

Pranaah CDC is known for providing:

• Developmental assessments

• Speech therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Sensory integration

• Behavior therapy (ABA-informed)

• Early learning support

• Autism evaluation

• Parent coaching

All programs are supervised by Dr. Devi Raj, ensuring scientific accuracy & compassionate guidance.

 

How Pranaah Helps Children With Developmental Delays

✔ Structured developmental assessments

✔ Customized early intervention programs

✔ Speech, OT, Behavior Therapy & Special Education

✔ Sensory integration for emotional and motor development

✔ Parent training for home support

✔ Life-coaching support for parental resilience

✔ Progress monitoring every 4–8 weeks

This multidisciplinary model accelerates developmental progress.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Causes vary widely—prematurity, genetic factors, neurological conditions, and environment all play roles.

2. Who should I consult if I suspect developmental delay?

A psychologist or early intervention specialist. At Pranaah, assessments are led by Dr. Devi Raj.

3. Can developmental delays be treated?

Yes. With early intervention—speech therapy, OT, behavior therapy, and sensory integration—many children improve significantly.

4. Is speech delay the same as developmental delay?

Speech delay can be part of a larger developmental delay, but not always. Assessment helps clarify.

5. At what age should I worry about delays?

If concerns persist beyond 18–24 months, evaluation is recommended.

6. Are developmental delays temporary?

Some are temporary and improve with stimulation; others require structured therapy.

7. Do families from these locations visit Pranaah?

Yes. Families from Kundara, Chavara, Kollam, Kottarakkara, Karunagapally, Kayamkulam, Paripally, Punalur & Pathanapuram frequently access services at Pranaah.

8. What therapies are most effective?

Speech therapy, sensory integration, occupational therapy, behavior therapy, and early learning programs.

9. Do developmental delays mean autism?

Not necessarily. Some delays are unrelated. Assessment helps determine clarity.

10. Can early intervention prevent long-term delays?

Yes. Early therapy often reduces future learning, social, and behavior challenges.

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