Understanding Developmental Delays in Children

How Common Is This?
Around 1 in 5 Australian children starting school show signs of developmental vulnerability in one or more areas — including motor skills, speech and language, or social and emotional development.
Signs of Delay?
- Not meeting expected motor milestones (sitting, crawling, walking) for their age
- Limited or delayed speech and language development
- Difficulty with social interaction or engagement with others
- Loss of previously acquired skills
- Ongoing concerns from you, a carer, or an educator about how your child is developing
Spine and Nervous System Health in Growing Children
The spinal cord is part of your child’s central nervous system, running through and protected by the spine. As children grow, their spine and posture change constantly — through learning to walk and run, sitting at school, sport, and everyday knocks and falls. Supporting healthy spinal and postural habits during these years is a relevant part of a child’s overall
physical development

