Premature Child Facing Developmental Delays

Hi S.,

I am a mother of 2 premature girls. I have a 7yr old (born at 33 1/2 weeks) and I have a 2 yr old (born at 34 weeks). My 2 year old was alittle delayed with crawling and walking but now she seems fine. She was attending physical therapy but I finally took her out and just starting doing the activities they recommended. If you see her now, you couldn't tell she was a preemie physically and mentally. She's very smart and is learning a lot. I will say having her in daycare seemed to help with her social and motor skills. They say boys tend to be late learners, but just give it time and you will see your little boy being a talker. I wish you the best and good luck with everything.

Hi,

Has your doctor given yu any advise or does he seem worried about your babies development? If not go to a specialist. It could be your baby only needs are therapy and motivation skills. Go for a 2nd opinion anyway.
J.
www.J..myarbonne.com
work at home or just save on your favorite skin care needs.

I would say that the best thing to do is call child find. They will be able to test your child and tell you if he is delayed and needs any help. They will then give you therapies if he needs them for free until the age of 3. My daughter was not premature but was still doing a lot of babling mixed in with a few intelagble words until the age of 2 1/2. Once she got into the therapies she started to take off.

there are free services available!

The Central Directory maintains a statewide toll-free number and a comprehensive, standardized database of information about:

Providers of public and private early childhood services, resources and experts available in the state.
Professionals and groups that provide assistance to children.
For more Information about referrals or your local Early Steps please call:

1-800-654-4440

My son at 18 months is not talking at all and that is a speech delay....if your son says the words you say on a regular basis, he seems to be doing well and just like everything else with a premature baby he'll talk more in his own time............. all the best to you.....God Bless

Hi S.,

Many premature babies do catch up to their peers of similar age in terms of their developemental skills. Some children (including mine) need some assistance and can greatly benefit from speech, physical, and/or occupational therapy. It might be good to at least get an evaluation to have a professional opinion regarding your sons developmental skills. Then if they do recommend some type of intervention, this is a great time as he is young.
I'm not sure where you live but contacting your local Early Steps program will get you started in the right direction. They serve children ages 0-3. Then once a child turns 3, Child Find can provide continued services.
Hope this helps!