All children develop and grow at their own pace, achieving milestones such as talking, sitting up, crawling and walking. When the child’s development milestones are delayed raising concerns that may require attention and intervention, they are called red flags.
If these concerns are not addressed early on, they may develop into specific special needs conditions as the child grows. This module helps gain knowledge about the key developmental areas and the importance of the holistic development of children. It will provide learners with an insight into how a typical child grows, what are the milestones and red flags, and the impact of delay on the child.

Red flags in children with special needs often indicate areas where a child may require additional support, assessment, or intervention. Recognizing these early is crucial to ensuring they receive the help they need. Below are some common red flags grouped by developmental domains:

1. Communication and Language

Delayed Speech: Not speaking single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by age 2.
Limited Eye Contact: Avoiding or lacking consistent eye contact during interactions.
Difficulty Understanding Language: Trouble following simple directions or understanding basic concepts.
Unusual Speech Patterns: Repeating words/phrases (echolalia) or speaking in an atypical tone.

2. Social and Emotional

Limited Social Interaction: Not showing interest in playing with peers or engaging in group activities.
Difficulty Regulating Emotions: Frequent meltdowns or difficulty calming down.
Lack of Joint Attention: Not pointing to share experiences or engaging in shared focus with others.

3. Motor Skills

Gross Motor Delays: Not sitting, crawling, or walking within typical developmental time-frames.
Fine Motor Delays: Struggling with activities like grasping objects, drawing, or buttoning clothes.
Unusual Movements: Repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping or toe-walking.

4. Cognitive

Difficulty with Problem Solving: Challenges with puzzles, sorting, or understanding cause-and-effect relationships.
Regression: Losing previously acquired skills, such as language or motor abilities.

5. Sensory

Over- or Under-Responsiveness: Strong reactions to textures, lights, sounds, or not responding to sensory input like loud noises.
Atypical Play: Fixation on specific parts of objects (e.g., wheels of a toy car) or limited imaginative play.

6. Behavior

Repetitive Actions: Engaging in repetitive movements or routines and becoming distressed with changes.
Aggression or Self-Injury: Displaying behaviors that harm themselves or others.
Hyperactivity or Inattention: Difficulty staying focused or overly active beyond typical levels for their age.
What to Do If You Notice Red Flags
Talk to a Professional: Consult with your child’s pediatrician, who may refer you to specialists (e.g., developmental pediatricians, speech therapists, or occupational therapists).
Early Intervention: Many regions offer early intervention programs for children showing developmental delays.
Monitor Progress: Keep track of developmental milestones and note any areas of concern.
Advocate for Support: Engage with educational or therapy services to create tailored plans for your child’s needs.

Remember:

Every child develops at their own pace, and one or two delays don’t necessarily mean a child has special needs. However, consistent or significant delays warrant professional evaluation. Early identification and support can make a significant difference in their overall development and quality of life.