Children develop at different rates and some might be delayed reaching milestones.
For example, they may:
- take longer to roll over, sit up, crawl or walk
- be late to start talking
- show signs of a hearing difficulty
- have difficulties in school
Every child gets free health and development checks from 0 to 5 years. This is to make sure they are healthy and developing normally.
Read advice from the HSE how your child will develop in the first 5 years.
This includes advice on:
- physical development - hearing, height, weight and eye health
- communication development
- social, emotional and behavioural development
- developmental milestones
Delays meeting a milestone
If your child is delayed meeting a milestone there is often nothing to be worried about. Every child is different and your child may catch up in their own time.
Sometimes, these early signs may mean your child has a difficulty of some kind.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP or public health nurse if:
- you are concerned about your child’s development
- your child loses skills they had before
- you are worried that your child has a delay or disability
They may carry out more tests or refer your child to a specialist or disability services.
Referral to services
Your GP or PHN may refer your child to:
- a specialist in your local primary care services
- your local Children's Disability Network Team (CDNT)
You can also make a referral yourself.
About children's disability services and how they work
Difficulties at school
You may notice that your child is having difficulties in school, or their teacher might tell you about it.
For example, they may:
- have reading difficulties
- be struggling to keep up with other children
Talk to the teacher or the school principal. They can tell you where they think your child is having difficulty. You can also share what you know about your child.
They can advise you on what to do next. This may include an educational assessment for your child.