Parenting Tips for Children with Developmental Differences

Are you watching your child struggle to keep up with other kids their age? TRI Valley Pediatrics helps monitor your child's growth and development so we can intervene with treatment if we identify a developmental delay. Our dedicated pediatricians help support children with many different developmental differences in Pleasanton and San Ramon, CA.

Developmental Milestones

Every child learns at their own pace. However, your pediatrician uses developmental milestones to assess your child's development against other children of the same age. These milestones are skills or behaviors that show different kinds of developmental progress:

• Physical/Motor: Rolling over, sitting up, walking
• Cognitive: First words, first sentences
• Social/Emotional: Forming bonds with caregivers, showing basic empathy, interacting with others

Some physical developmental delays are noticed early in infancy. With other milestones, you may not realize your child is experiencing a delay until they reach school age and start learning alongside other kids.

Developmental Differences

If you have concerns about your child's development, we do a full workup to assess any developmental delays in Pleasanton, CA. Some of the most common delays we diagnose are:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
• Impaired vision
• Hearing loss
• Learning disabilities
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome

Whenever a delay is identified, our pediatricians offer support and connect you with the right resources if your child needs accommodations.

Tips For Parents

It is stressful for a parent to see their child struggle developmentally, especially if you are managing multiple siblings who are developing at different rates. To help support your child with a developmental delay:

• Encourage development through play - cognitive toys and imagination/pretend play
• Educate yourself - learn about child development to set reasonable goals
• Create routines and structures that your child can follow
• Set boundaries by making rules and consequences for violating rules clear
• Listen to their feelings and help them express themselves better
• Use visual aids for learning and clear communication
• Positive motivation and reinforcement
• Praise of positive behavior

When your child needs more resources, we can connect you with the right support in the form of behavioral therapy (counseling), speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education, and even family education and support groups.

Get Help Now

Our expert, compassionate pediatricians can identify developmental delays in children and help you support your growing child. Contact TRI Valley Pediatrics in Pleasanton, CA, at (925) 460-8444, and San Ramon, CA, at (925) 380-6230.