NYC Gazette

Parents are urged to act as "first responders" when they notice potential developmental issues in their children, according to experts from the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City and Long Island. Dara Jones, MD, FAAPMR, a pediatric physiatrist at HSS, emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention without delay if concerns arise about a child's development.

Dr. Jones highlights that developmental milestones are specific tasks or skills most children achieve by certain ages. These include activities like sitting up, taking first steps, and waving goodbye. Parents often receive milestone charts from hospitals or pediatricians after childbirth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a developmental milestone tracker on its website and app, which Dr. Jones recommends parents review regularly.

"I always counsel families to not only identify a milestone but to pay attention to how a child is achieving it," says Dr. Jones. She advises parents to observe their child's methods of crawling or other activities as atypical behavior could indicate underlying issues.

Erin Neville, PT, DPT, PCS, a pediatric physical therapist at HSS, stresses the significance of parent education and empowerment in child development. Signs warranting medical consultation may include asymmetrical movement or regression in previously mastered skills.

Parents should discuss any concerns with their child's pediatrician and gather as much information as possible before appointments. Dr. Jones advises making videos to show doctors for more productive consultations. "It is also critical to act quickly because early treatment leads to better outcomes," she notes.

The goal is identifying reasons behind developmental delays for effective treatment planning — whether genetic factors or neurological conditions are involved. Treatment aims at maximizing potential so children can catch up with peers through an interdisciplinary approach involving various specialists at HSS.

Katie Ross, MS, OTR/L, ATP from HSS underscores the impact of early intervention: "Being able to identify a delay or an issue early so we can provide high-quality services before the age of three... can completely change a child’s developmental trajectory."

Ross encourages parents to be persistent advocates for their children's development while exploring available therapies like occupational therapy that significantly benefit progress.

Therapists utilize play-based strategies during sessions designed around trust-building exercises encouraging participation both within rehab settings and home environments too; family involvement remains vital due largely due limited weekly interactions between therapists & patients themselves—ultimately leading many towards achieving goals successfully under supportive circumstances described here today via insights shared directly alongside experiences outlined earlier above regarding challenges faced commonly throughout process itself overall according specifically mentioned details provided therein contextually speaking likewise addressed accordingly thus far explained further still thereafter consequently elaborated upon extensively herein altogether fully comprehensively examined hereinbefore ultimately concluding final remarks concerning topic discussed initially commenced coverage thereof aforementioned subject matter related thereto initially presented hereinabove primarily 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