Dr. Ann advises parents to look for early signs of developmental delay, including:
- Delayed speech (not having any meaningful words by 12-months age, and not saying simple words by 18 months)
- Delayed walking (The usual range is that an infant walks independently by 12 to 18 months, but what matters here more than the age of attainments, is the duration in months between standing with support and starting to walk, which should not exceed a few months)
- Poor social interactions (not making eye contact, or responding to their name)
- Difficulty with motor skills (grasping objects, sitting up, crawling)
- Repetitive behaviours or lack of interest in surroundings
If these signs are present, Dr. Ann recommends early assessment and intervention.
