Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by
Developmental delays can greatly affect a child’s life. It’s important to spot issues early. Recognizing red flags helps in getting help quickly. This can greatly improve a child’s health and happiness for life.Identify developmental red flags for 5 year-olds to detect potential delays early. Learn about key indicators in cognitive, social, and motor skills.
Children usually follow a set pattern of growth, hitting certain milestones at the same age. But some might miss these or show worrying signs. For example, not standing by 5 months, not answering when called by 9 months, or not waving by 18 months are red flags.
Key Takeaways
- Developmental delays can be identified through missed milestones.
- Early recognition of red flags is key to timely help.
- Certain behaviours, such as not responding to their name, can be concerning.
- Gestures like pointing or waving are important developmental milestones.
- Monitoring a child’s development is essential for their lifelong health.
Understanding Developmental Delays: Prevalence and Impact
It’s key to spot developmental delays early to help a child’s life. These delays happen when a child misses certain milestones. This can slow down their growth and development.
Definition and Types of Developmental Delays
Developmental delays mean a child is slow to reach certain skills. This can be in thinking, moving, talking, or social skills. Early help is vital for kids to catch up and reach their goals.
A pediatrician says, “Early help can change a child’s path. It lets them keep up with friends and reach their highest level.” This shows why we must act fast to help kids with delays.
Global and U.S. Statistics on Developmental Delays
Many kids worldwide face developmental delays. Over 52 million kids globally are affected. In the U.S., about 1 in 6 kids (17%) have a delay. These numbers show we need to be aware and act early to help.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sees developmental delays as a big health issue. Knowing how common and impactful they are helps us support kids and families better.
Common Red Flags by Age Group
It’s important to spot developmental delays early. These signs change as kids grow. Knowing the milestones and red flags for each age helps parents and caregivers act fast.
Infants (0-12 months)
Infants hit certain milestones in their first year. Look out for not standing by for 5 months or not waving for 12 months. Also, not making eye contact or babbling by 6 months is a concern.
Toddlers (12-24 months)
Toddlers make big strides in their development. Red flags include not walking alone by 18 months or not pointing to body parts. Also, not saying more than 5 words by 18 months is a sign.
Preschoolers (2-4 years)
Preschoolers grow in many ways. Look for not combining words by 2 years or not following simple directions. Not kicking a ball forward or throwing overhead by 3 years is also a red flag.
Watching for these signs early can help a lot. It can lessen the effects of developmental delays on a child’s life.
Developmental Red Flags for 5-Year-Olds
It’s important to spot developmental red flags in 5-year-olds early. At this age, kids show certain skills that help them grow. These include physical, cognitive, and social-emotional abilities.
Physical Development Concerns
Five-year-olds should be better at moving around, like running and jumping. They should also be able to use small muscles, like scissors. Not being able to do these things could mean there’s a problem.
If a child finds it hard to do simple physical tasks or is very clumsy, it’s a warning sign.
Cognitive and Language Red Flags
At 5, kids should understand basic ideas, like counting and shapes. They should also be able to talk in simple sentences. Having trouble understanding or being understood is a sign of a delay.
If a child can’t solve simple problems or has a small vocabulary, they might need help.
Social-Emotional Warning Signs
Five-year-olds should start to be more independent and get along with others. They should also show kindness to others. Being very shy, aggressive, or not wanting to be away from parents are red flags.
Watching these signs closely is key. Early help can make a big difference in a child’s growth.
Parents are very important in spotting these signs early. But there aren’t many tools to help everyone. Knowing these signs can help find kids who need extra support.
Developmental Red Flags for 6-Year-Olds and Beyond
Children grow a lot after they turn 6. They get better physically, think clearly, and feel more emotions. It’s very important to spot red flags early. Places like LivHospital use the newest ways to help kids grow well.
Academic Performance Concerns
At this age, kids should know some basic school stuff. If a 6-year-old has trouble reading, writing, or math, it’s a sign they might need help. This could mean they need a closer look.
Social Skills and Behavioural Red Flags
How kids act with others and behave is also key. Signs like not getting along with friends, being too mean, or not listening can be red flags. These signs mean a child might need some extra help figuring things out.
Determining Indicators of Delay
To see if a child is falling behind, look at their whole growth. Check if they’ve hit certain milestones and if they’re facing any big challenges. Knowing about early signs can help catch problems early and fix them fast.
FAQ’s:
What are some common red flags for developmental delay in infants?
Infants not bearing weight on their legs by 5 months are a red flag. Not responding to their name by 9 months is another. Not making eye contact is also a warning sign.
What are some red flags for developmental delay in toddlers?
Toddlers not using gestures like pointing or waving by 18 months are at risk. Not saying any words by 16 months is also a concern.
How prevalent are developmental delays in children?
About 1 in 6 children (17%) in the U.S. face developmental delays. Globally, over 52 million children are affected.
What are some developmental red flags for 6-year-olds?
At this age, trouble with schoolwork, social skills, or behavioural issues like aggression are red flags. Withdrawal is also a concern.
How can parents determine if their child is showing indicators of developmental delay?
Look for signs like no gestures, not responding to their name, or missing milestones. If worried, talk to your pediatrician.
What are some signs of advanced development in a 20-month-old child?
Advanced development in a 20-month-old includes complex gestures, saying many words, and solving problems.
What are some developmental milestones that a 28-month-old child should be meeting?
By 28 months, a child should use about 50 words, combine two words, and show better problem-solving skills.
What are some red flags for developmental delay in preschoolers?
Red flags for preschoolers include trouble with social interactions, aggressive behaviour, and language development issues.
REFERENCES:
- Taczaş‚a, J., Latalski, M., Aftyka, A., Dmoszyş„ska-Graniczka, M., Chroş›ciş„ska-Krawczyk, M., & Majcher, P. (2021). The predictive value of ˜red flags’ as milestones of psychomotor development of premature babies “ preliminary study. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 28(1), 183“188. https://www.aaem.pl/pdf-126746-62867?filename=62867.pdf
- Oberklaid, F. (2011). Is my child normal? Milestones and red flags for referral. Australian Family Physician, 40(9), 663-666. https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/cbd88cc8-4203-4205-a1e8-f1e8c6e6441c/Is-my-child-normal.aspx
- Kumar, R., & et al. (2024). Knowledge, attitude, and practices of parents regarding the developmental milestones and associated red flags. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38355491/
