What are Neurodevelopmental Milestones?
Neurodevelopmental milestones are specific functional abilities or skills that most children can perform by a certain age. These milestones serve as a guideline to assess the typical development of a child in various domains such as motor skills, cognitive abilities, language, and social-emotional development.
Why are Neurodevelopmental Milestones Important?
Tracking neurodevelopmental milestones is crucial for early detection of developmental delays or disorders. Early identification allows for timely interventions, which can significantly improve outcomes for children with developmental challenges.
Gross Motor Skills: Involve the large muscles used for activities like sitting, standing, walking, and running.
Fine Motor Skills: Involve the small muscles used for tasks like holding a spoon, picking up small objects, and writing.
Language Development: Includes understanding and using language, both verbal and non-verbal.
Cognitive Development: Encompasses thinking, learning, problem-solving, and memory.
Social-Emotional Development: Involves interacting with others, managing emotions, and developing self-awareness.
By 2 months: Begins to smile at people, can briefly calm themselves, and makes cooing sounds.
By 4 months: Holds head steady, pushes down on legs when feet are on a hard surface, and reaches for toys with one hand.
By 6 months: Rolls over in both directions, begins to sit without support, and responds to own name.
By 9 months: Crawls, stands while holding on, and understands "no."
By 12 months: Walks holding on to furniture, may take a few steps without holding on, and says simple words like "mama" and "dada."
By 18 months: Walks alone, may run, drinks from a cup, and says several single words.
By 2 years: Begins to run, kicks a ball, starts to sort shapes and colors, and uses two-word sentences.
By 3 years: Climbs well, pedals a tricycle, plays make-believe, and can follow two- to three-step instructions.
By 4 years: Hops and stands on one foot up to two seconds, catches a bounced ball most of the time, and starts to understand time.
By 5 years: Stands on one foot for 10 seconds or longer, can use a fork and spoon, speaks very clearly, and tells simple stories using full sentences.
No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months.
No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months.
No babbling by 12 months.
No words by 16 months.
No meaningful two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months.
Any loss of speech, babbling, or social skills at any age.
Engage in
responsive interactions by talking, singing, and playing with your child.
Provide a
stimulating environment with a variety of toys and activities to promote exploration and learning.
Ensure
proper nutrition and regular health check-ups to support overall growth and development.
Encourage
physical activity to develop motor skills.
Read to your child daily to enhance language and cognitive development.
When to Seek Professional Help?
If you have concerns about your child's development, it is important to consult with a pediatrician or a developmental specialist. Early intervention services can provide the necessary support to address any developmental delays or disorders.
