What Are Developmental Delays?
Maybe you’ve found yourself quietly wondering why your baby isn’t babbling yet or why other toddlers are walking while yours still prefers to scoot. These moments of uncertainty are common and come from a place of deep love and attentiveness. If you’ve had questions about your child’s development, you’re not alone.
Developmental delays in children refer to when a child takes longer than expected to reach milestones in one or more areas of growth. These may include speech and language, motor skills (like sitting or walking), social and emotional skills, and feeding or self-care abilities.
Every child grows on their own timeline, but when progress feels noticeably behind what’s typical for their age, it may signal a delay.
Noticing these signs doesn’t mean something is wrong; it means you’re tuned in. Identifying and addressing delays early opens the door to supportive care, helping your child build skills with encouragement and expert guidance.
Signs to Look for in Babies (Birth to Age 3)
Every child develops at their own pace, but some signs may suggest a need for extra support. Recognizing these early helps guide your next steps toward pediatric physical therapy, pediatric speech therapy, or other therapy for developmental delays.
- Physical signs: If your baby is not holding their head up by four months, not rolling by six months, or showing delays in crawling or walking, it may signal a need for evaluation.
- Speech and language: Limited cooing or babbling by 6–9 months, few vocal sounds, or lack of response to voices may suggest a speech delay.
- Feeding: Ongoing difficulty swallowing, strong aversions to textures, or consistent refusal to eat certain foods can point to feeding challenges.
- Social/emotional: Limited eye contact, little interest in interaction, or not responding to their name by 12 months may indicate a concern.
You don’t have to worry alone. If you notice any of these signs, trust your instincts and reach out for guidance and assistance. Early support can make a meaningful difference.
Why Early Support Makes a Difference
In the earliest years of life, a child’s brain grows rapidly, building the foundation for how they learn, move, communicate, and connect with others. This period of early brain development is marked by neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and form new connections. Because of this, early intervention services have the greatest impact when provided during these formative years.
Therapy in the first three years doesn’t just address current challenges; it helps lay the groundwork for future progress in areas like speech, motor skills, and social-emotional growth. The goal isn’t perfection, but support, steady progress, and making sure families feel equipped and hopeful.
For many parents, having a plan brings relief. It transforms uncertainty into action and worry into steps forward. Early support offers families both guidance and reassurance: you’re not alone, and with the right tools, meaningful progress is possible.
What Early Evaluation Looks Like
An early evaluation is a gentle, observation-based process that helps families better understand their children’s development. There’s no pressure, no tests to “pass,” and no judgment. Instead, it’s a team focused on learning how to support your child’s growth.
As part of early intervention services, evaluations typically explore key developmental areas, such as movement, speech and communication, play skills, and social interaction. Specialists may ask you questions, watch how your child engages during play, and invite you to share your own observations and concerns.
The goal isn’t to assign a diagnosis. It’s to get a clearer picture of your child’s strengths and areas where support may be helpful. You’ll leave with guidance, not more questions, and a plan that’s rooted in compassion, not comparison.
How to Book an Evaluation in Nevada
If you’ve been searching for “early intervention near me,” there are two easy, family-centered ways to begin:
Self-referral: Contact Nevada Early Intervention Services (NEIS) or Capability directly. No referral is needed from a doctor; you can take the first step whenever you’re ready.
Pediatrician referral: If it feels more comfortable, your child’s pediatrician can submit a referral on your behalf.
Both paths are fully supported and lead to the same compassionate care. What matters most is choosing the route that feels right for your family. Whether you pick up the phone or talk to your doctor first, early intervention services are here when you need them, without pressure and with full support.
You Don’t Have to Wait and Worry
It’s not always easy to take the first step when you’re worried about your child’s development, but reaching out may also be one of the most empowering things you do as a parent.
Capability is Nevada’s largest nonprofit provider of early intervention services and trusted by families across the state. We offer support in the places that work best for you, whether that’s in your home, through telehealth, or at one of our clinic locations.
For children who need therapy for developmental delays beyond age three, our pediatric therapy clinic provides continued access to care, helping families navigate the next stage without losing momentum.
Our approach is centered on families. We work alongside you, listening closely, answering questions, and creating a plan that feels manageable and meaningful. Evaluations are free, and every plan is personalized because no two children follow the same path.
If you’ve noticed any signs of delay or simply have questions, request a no-cost early intervention evaluation today. We’re here to help.