Each child's growth process is a unique journey, but sometimes parents may overlook some potential signs of developmental abnormalities. Taipei's pediatric specialist system provides seven free health checkups for children under seven years old, plus annual home visits, to help parents gain a comprehensive understanding of their child's developmental status. Pediatricians advise that if a child shows six specific signs, it may be a signal of developmental abnormalities.
Six Common Developmental Warning Signs Parents Should Not Ignore
Many parents, when faced with their child's development, often comfort themselves with the saying "the early bird catches the worm," but some situations may indicate developmental delays, requiring early intervention. Dr. Du Rongjue, head of the Pediatrics Department at Taipei City Hospital Zhongxiao Branch, points out six common signs that may indicate delays in motor or language development:
♥ Not rolling over by 6 months of age.
♥ Not standing unsupported around 1 year of age, or not walking unsupported by 1.5 years of age.
♥ Not running or climbing stairs by 2.5 years of age.
♥ Not saying "dada" or "mama" by 1.5 years of age.
♥ Speaking fewer than 10 single words by 2 years of age.
♥ Unable to form simple sentences by 2.5 years of age.
If a child exhibits any of the above signs, parents are advised to arrange a professional pediatric evaluation as soon as possible.
Seven Checkups for Early Detection, 3 Important Points Before Visiting a Doctor
The Bureau of Health Promotion of the Ministry of Health and Welfare provides seven free health checkups and health education guidance for children under seven years old, encompassing growth assessments (height, weight, head circumference), physical examinations (vision, hearing, oral health), and developmental assessments (language, motor skills, cognition). Parents can utilize these opportunities to detect potential problems early, and should note the following three points before visiting a doctor:
♥ Record: Carefully fill out the "Health Check Record Form" and "Health Education Record Form" in the child's health booklet.
♥ Bring Documents: Bring the child's health booklet and National Health Insurance card.
♥ Ask Questions: Actively ask questions to the doctor regarding the checkup results.
Annual Home Visits Protect Children, High Proportion of Abnormalities Discovered
In addition to checkups, Taipei City Hospital also implemented a "Children's Family Physician" system, conducting at least one home visit per year to the children's homes, comprehensively examining the growth environment. Dr. Du Rongjue points out that home visits allow doctors to observe children's development in a natural setting, providing a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the child's condition. So far, home visits have been conducted with 779 families, with a 4.3% discovery rate of developmental abnormalities or delays, significantly higher than the 1.6% to 2.5% rate seen in clinic visits.
Home Visits Successfully Identify Developmental Delays, Early Intervention Aids Children's Progress
Home visits not only help parents understand their child's growth but also enable early intervention therapy. Dr. Du Rongjue shared a case example: One-year-old boy,Rui Rui, failed to pronounce "dada" or "mama", and family members dismissed it as a "late bloomer". However, after a home visit, the team found that Rui Rui had language and motor development delays. Fortunately, the medical team intervened promptly, leading to a significant improvement in Rui Rui's development.
Observing and Interacting at Home, Capitalizing on Every Checkup Opportunity
Dr. Du Rongjue reminds parents that, in addition to regularly taking their children for preventive healthcare services, they can also use storybooks, picture cards, balls, and other toys at home to observe their children's performances through games and interactions at different stages of development. Such family interactions help in the early detection of potential developmental abnormalities. The golden age of child development is very precious. Utilizing the checkup and home visit opportunities will help protect children's health and allow each child to progress more steadily and further on their growth path.
Parents can observe their child's development at home through games or interactive activities, serving as key indicators to assess their progress at different stages. (Image / Sourced from pexels)
