A crucial question for parents: Is my child developing as they should? This is a topic that can spark intense emotions and debates, so let's dive in.
Developmental Delay: Unraveling the Mystery
Developmental delay is a broad term, a bit like an umbrella, covering various aspects of a child's growth. It means a child might not be reaching certain milestones at the typical age. Think of it as a pause or a lag in their development journey.
According to Dr. Gehan Roberts, a paediatrician at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, this delay can show up in play and social skills, motor skills, problem-solving, self-regulation, and communication. And here's an interesting insight: communication is often the area where these delays are most noticeable.
Recognizing the Signs
Let's take a look at some real-life examples. Lusia Ford, a Melbourne mum, has three sons, two of whom are autistic and have developmental disorders. Her youngest, Fletcher, now 11, was diagnosed with dysgraphia after Lusia noticed he struggled to write his name clearly. This became more evident during the COVID homeschooling period.
Lusia's middle child was diagnosed with dyspraxia, a neurological condition affecting motor coordination. They noticed he often fell over and couldn't get his hands down in time to protect his head or face.
What's the Next Step?
Dr. Roberts suggests starting with the primary care system. Maternal and child health nurses and GPs can help identify areas of concern and decide on the next steps, which could range from monitoring to specialist referrals or even upskilling parents.
The Thriving Kids Program: A New Approach
The government is introducing a new scheme, Thriving Kids, which aims to provide support for kids with "mild to moderate" autism or developmental delay. The idea is to scale up existing community services, like state-run child health services, GPs, and educational settings, to offer more comprehensive support to families.
But here's where it gets controversial: the government believes that some children with developmental delays have been "overserviced" by the NDIS, and that a different approach is needed. With Thriving Kids, they want to ensure better outcomes for these children.
Can All Delays Be 'Fixed'?
Dr. Roberts says most kids with early developmental delays improve with the right intervention. However, for those who don't progress as expected, it's important to consider if they might have an underlying neurodevelopmental disorder, such as autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability.
The government assures that kids with "significant and permanent disability" will continue to have access to the NDIS.
A Word of Advice
Lusia Ford shares some valuable insights: progress looks different for every child, and milestones are just markers, not measures of value. Dr. Roberts adds that parents should trust their instincts and seek evidence-based information if they feel something is amiss. Parents are the experts when it comes to their own children, and understanding their child's strengths and needs is key.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the therapy hours or visiting various clinicians. It's about empowering parents and caregivers to provide the necessary support and input in everyday interactions.
So, what are your thoughts? Do you think the Thriving Kids program will make a positive impact? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
