What should be done if a child starts speaking and walking late?
Disease description:
My own child is already two years old, but he walks unsteadily and can only speak one or two words. He lags far behind children of the same age. What should I do about my child's delayed speech and walking?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
It is common for children to experience delays in speaking or walking during their development.
1. Developmental delay: Some children may develop language and motor skills at a slower pace, which could be due to individual differences, genetic factors, or environmental influences. Parents can encourage and stimulate their child's development through appropriate support and encouragement.
2. Malnutrition: An unbalanced diet or lack of essential nutrients may affect a child's overall development, including language abilities and motor skills. Ensuring adequate intake of nutrients, especially protein, vitamins, and minerals, can help support healthy development.
3. Underlying health issues: Delayed language or motor development may also be associated with certain underlying health conditions, such as hearing impairments, neurodevelopmental disorders, or other medical issues. Regular health checkups can help detect and address these problems at an early stage.
If a child shows significant developmental delays, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive evaluation and examination to determine whether there are any underlying health issues, and to take appropriate actions under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
