How to Detect Neurological and Motor Developmental Delays Early
May 19, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiaohua
Introduction
Because developmental milestones vary by age—such as a one-month-old infant being able to briefly hold their head upright and allowing assessment of muscle tone, a six-month-old being able to sit independently and take supported steps, and an eight- to nine-month-old beginning to crawl—regular physical examinations are essential for early detection of neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Parents should keep this in mind.
During the first year of life—especially within the first six months—a baby’s physical growth and brain development proceed at their most rapid pace, evolving almost daily. Regular monthly nutritional assessments and neurodevelopmental behavioral evaluations enable dynamic monitoring of the infant’s developmental status and early detection of any deviations from typical developmental trajectories.
Because developmental milestones vary by age, specific signs emerge at different time points—for example, by one month of age, a baby can briefly hold their head upright when placed in a vertical position, allowing clinicians to assess muscle tone.
By six months, infants typically achieve independent sitting and may begin “stepping” movements while held upright; between eight and nine months, many begin crawling. Therefore, routine physical examinations are critical for early identification of neuro-motor developmental abnormalities—parents should bear this in mind.
