I’m Worried My Child Is Not Developing Normally. What Should I Do?

Good Samaritan Hospital Speech-Language Pathologist Jacqueline Gruszynski provides answers you need to know.

Many parents worry that their child may not be developing normally. The good news is, “normal” development isn’t a point, it’s a range. For example, one child may start talking at 9 months while another may not say a word until 2 years. Both are within the “normal” range. Your child’s primary care physician (PCP) is your best partner in knowing when your child is simply not in a hurry to reach a milestone and when there is an actual delay that needs attention.

If your child’s PCP diagnoses a developmental delay, pediatric rehabilitation services at St. Mary’s Outpatient Center in Athens and St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Greensboro can help. We offer an individualized, patient-centered atmosphere for treatment of every child. In this blog, we talk with Jacqueline Gruszynski, a speech-language pathologist at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, about pediatric rehab and how it can make a difference.

What is Pediatric Rehabilitation?

It is physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy for children ages newborn through high school. The therapy process begins with individual developmental evaluations to assess the child’s overall needs and/or delays. Our therapists carefully develop a rehab plan to address each child's individual needs, as well as areas the parents or caregivers have targeted as weaknesses at home. Throughout the therapeutic process, we provide feedback and at-home activities for the patient’s family. The early intervention process is most effective when a patient's family is "on board" and working towards the therapeutic goals.

How can it help my child?

The goal of pediatric rehabilitation is for the child to become as independent as possible within their daily environments, including home, school, and/or community. Although two children may have the same diagnosis or cause, their developmental delays may affect them differently. As a result, we target each child’s needs, weaknesses and deficits directly and individually.

What are developmental delays?

“Developmental delays” refer to abnormal development of the skills and abilities expected of a child compared to others of the same age. Delays can occur in a variety of areas including motor, speech and language, social, and cognitive skills. Examples include walking, talking, swallowing, and interacting with others in an age-appropriate way. During your child’s routine well-child doctor visits, your child’s PCP typically will screen for normal growth and development.

What should I do if I'm concerned my child may have developmental delays?

Contact your child's doctor or mention your concerns at your child's next appointment. Please note that children develop at different rates, so many parents may worry when they don't need to, but it is important to watch for signs and symptoms, as early treatment can help. Children who are born with conditions that are known to frequently cause delays (Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Fetal Alcohol, etc.) are generally referred for developmental assessments at or shortly after birth.

When should a family seek pediatric rehab?

The majority of development delays will start becoming apparent around 18 months of age. This is generally when your child’s PCP will recommend pediatric rehabilitation. However, as noted earlier, if your child is born with a condition such as Down Syndrome, they may be referred to us much sooner. In addition, neonatal intensive care physicians often refer infants who have feeding disorders.

What are some of the things you do that may help?

Our team of physical, occupational and speech-language therapists have a toolbox full of treatments, and we aim to make them as fun and engaging as possible. For example, if a child has an inner ear disorder that affects hearing and balance, we may play sign language games while they sit on a gently moving swing. If a child has trouble with hand movement, we’ll play games that involve manipulating objects, starting very easy and getting more advanced as they progress. It’s serious work, but we keep it enjoyable so that they look forward to seeing their therapists!

Where do you offer pediatric rehab?

• St. Mary’s Outpatient Center, 2470 Daniells Bridge Road, Bldg. 300, Athens, just off Ga. 316 near Loop 10. 706-389-2950.
• St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, 5401 Lake Oconee Parkway, Greensboro. 706.453-7331. We are the only pediatric rehabilitation program in the greater Greene County area.

Where can I find a doctor for my child?

• St. Mary’s Hometown Pediatrics in Watkinsville is a full-service pediatrics practice and is accepting new patients.
• Many family practice physicians also provide care for children and adolescents. See our Medical Group listings for information.

Public Relations Manager Mark Ralston assisted with content for this blog post.