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Preschool child development and intelligence |
I
am concerned about my child's development. When should I be really
worried? What should I do?
Normal
child development covers a wide range, likewise for motor skills,
language development and social development. Therefore it is
important to keep in mind that some children may achieve various
development milestones earlier or later than the average but still be
within the normal range. For example, a child may not speak its first
word until the age of 28 months and yet still have completely normal
physical, emotional and intellectual development.
Trust
your instincts. If you have any child development concerns, ask your
GP and your paediatrician to consider further assessment. Sometimes
there are basic health issues to solve first, for example a hip
dysplasia or a vision or hearing problem. A successful outcome can
depend on early awareness of these issues. Preschool development
milestones are particularly important.
Particularly
gifted children tend to reach their development milestones early.
Strong memory skills and keen observation of little things can also
be an indication of a gifted child. These skills often appear before
a typical child would show the same abilities. This may show in a
sense of humour. Creativity and problem solving at a young age is
another sign of a child who may be gifted
Consult
your doctor if:
- There
is no eye contact after four weeks
- There
is no reactive smile at two months
- The
child does not sit at seven months
- The
child does not imitate activities at 16 months
- The
child does not walk at 16 months
- There
is no single word at 16 months
- There
are no two-word sentences at 24 months.
At Elsbeth's Doctors, our consultant paediatrician offers regular child
health checks for all stages of development, throughout childhood and
adolescence. We also arrange intelligence tests for children.
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17-19 Sheen Road