Understanding developmental delays can be a life-changing revelation for parents and caregivers—and getting it right truly matters. But here's where it gets controversial: not all delays are the same, and some may vanish with timely intervention, while others might signal a lifelong condition. So, what exactly is a developmental delay, how can you recognize it in your child, and what steps should you take if you suspect one?
What is a developmental delay?
Developmental delay is a broad term used when a child's progress in reaching typical developmental milestones is slower than expected for their age. It can involve delays in various areas, including social skills, play, motor coordination, problem-solving, communication, and self-regulation. According to Dr. Gehan Roberts, a pediatrician at Melbourne's Royal Children’s Hospital, communication issues are often the most common sign of delay.
He explains, "By around their first birthday, we usually expect children to say a few single words, and by their second birthday, they might be combining two words into simple phrases. When children don’t meet these benchmarks, we label it as 'developmental delay'—not to alarm, but to highlight that more careful monitoring and possibly intervention are needed."
How can you tell if your child might have a delay?
For parents, noticing signs can sometimes be challenging or confusing. Melbourne mother Lusia Ford shares her experience with her three boys, two of whom have autism and developmental challenges. Her youngest son, Fletcher, aged 11, was diagnosed with dysgraphia—an issue with handwriting—after she observed him struggling to write his name clearly during homeschooling during the COVID pandemic.
Lusia’s middle son was diagnosed with dyspraxia, a neurological condition affecting coordination. She recalls, "He was falling frequently and couldn’t protect his head when he fell—that was a clear sign something was different."
What should parents do if they notice a potential delay?
Dr. Roberts emphasizes that the first step is to consult with primary health professionals such as maternal and child health nurses or general practitioners (GPs). These professionals can assess your concerns and determine whether your child's development requires closer monitoring or specialist attention.
Depending on the evaluation, options might range from simply observing the child's progress to referring them to specialists for targeted therapies, or empowering parents with tools and strategies to support their child's development at home.
For many families, this approach has been empowering. Lusia Ford explains how ongoing guidance from pediatricians, occupational therapists, and speech therapists has not just helped her boys improve, but also equipped her with practical skills. "Our therapists showed me what I can do at home to reinforce the progress outside of sessions, making a difference in their daily routines and overall development."
What role will the new Thriving Kids program play?
Currently, therapies for developmental concerns are typically accessed through state-funded community health services or private providers—often paid for with NDIS funds. However, there is ongoing debate about whether this system effectively supports all children, especially those with milder issues.
The government’s new Thriving Kids initiative aims to shift this landscape. Instead of relying heavily on large NDIS packages where families often feel overwhelmed and under-supported, the plan is to enhance existing community resources—such as state health services, GPs, and schools—to better serve children with developmental delays.
Part of this plan also includes establishing a new Medicare item for free health checks for three-year-olds, designed to catch developmental concerns early. Yet, how these plans will unfold remains uncertain, sparking concern among families and disability advocates.
Despite these uncertainties, Dr. Roberts assures that reliable, evidence-based information will continue to be accessible. "We must remember that before the NDIS, there was a well-established network of systems for supporting children’s development—and those are still here. The hope is that Thriving Kids will expand options, not replace the existing vital services."
Can every developmental delay be 'fixed'?
A common question is whether all delays are reversible. Dr. Roberts states that most early delays can improve significantly when intervention begins promptly. "Research suggests that about 15 to 20 percent of children experience some form of developmental delay, and with the right support—whether through therapy, early intervention, or targeted programs—they tend to catch up," he explains.
However, for children whose delays don’t improve as expected, it is crucial to consider the possibility of underlying neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities. These situations often require ongoing, tailored support.
The government maintains that children with significant and permanent disabilities will still have access to the NDIS, ensuring they receive the long-term support they may need.
What else should families know?
Lusia Ford reflects on her journey, sharing that her understanding of progress has evolved. "Every child’s path is unique. I wish I had known early that milestones are simply markers—not measures of a child’s worth or potential. It’s easy to read parenting books or listen to podcasts and think progress should be linear, but it isn’t. That’s okay."
Dr. Roberts advises parents to trust their instincts and seek additional information from reputable, evidence-based sources if they feel something isn’t right. "Parents are the most knowledgeable experts about their children. It’s not about doing endless therapy or seeing every specialist; it’s about understanding your child's unique strengths and needs, and supporting them with consistent, everyday interactions."
So, what do you think? Are we doing enough to support children with developmental delays, or is the current system falling short? Have you experienced challenges or successes you'd like to share? Let’s start the conversation—your voice can help shape the future of childhood development services.
