Neurodevelopmental Delays

What Are Neurodevelopmental Delays?

Neurodevelopmental delays are the underdeveloped reflex and nervous system that hinder a child’s ability to grow and adapt in early adolescence. The nervous system is what sends messages of stimulation through the body and also how the brain tells the body what to do. So, as you could assume, this could limit his/her ability to perform most tasks.
This limit could cause extreme frustration while a child is trying to learn how to adapt to his/her environment and participate in social and physical activities. That is why it’s crucial to address this problem as early as possible in adolescence.

How To Detect Neurodevelopmental Delays

Most of the detection of neurodevelopmental delays relies on a parent’s keen observation of how his/her child is developing. Primary reflexes are also referred to as survival reflexes. To detect problems with this, signs can be very obvious or subtle. Other signs to look for include, but are not limited to:

• poor handwriting skills
• short attention span
• poor muscle tone
• slumping head while writing
• changing of strong eye
• slow reflexes

Yet again, many of these symptoms may seem commonplace. If one or more occur, it’s vital to bring your child to a doctor to be examined.

Causes of Neurodevelopmental Delays

Most neurodevelopmental delays are generic one or more people in your family may have experienced symptoms like this during adolescence as well or even through adulthood. Additionally, however, neurodevelopmental delays can be affected by traumatic injuries, especially to the spine. Traumatic injuries to the spine should always be examined by a medical professional. Sometimes, Xrays are required to see exactly what the problem is.

Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Delays

There is no cure for neurodevelopmental delays, but there are ways to treat them. Neurodevelopmental delays often need assistance in doing daily tasks. By consulting with an occupational therapist and physical therapist and going through treatment segments, a child can learn to cope with his/her delays and improve upon the delay itself. The child’s school system should always be alerted because class is where a child will spend a lot of social, cognitive, and physical time.

In the U.S. including Bergen County, New Jersey, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees a free and appropriate public education for every child with a disability, including Neurodevelopmental Delays.

Contact us to learn how we can help your child or schedule a complimentary evaluation of your child’s needs and free facility tour.