Developmental delay means a child is not reaching milestones at the expected age. The causes are many — some identifiable, some not — and the trajectory varies enormously between children. What is consistent is that earlier, structured intervention produces measurably better long-term outcomes. The first three to five years are the highest-yield window.
What we treat
- Global developmental delay (delay in multiple domains)
- Motor delay (gross motor, fine motor)
- Language and communication delay
- Cognitive delay
- Social and play skill delay
- Delays associated with genetic conditions (Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, Prader-Willi, etc.)
- Delays following preterm birth
- Delays of unclear cause, where assessment is part of the work
Our program
Bright Kids, Brighter Future — Developmental Delay Program. A structured multidisciplinary program with the discipline mix individualized to the child's profile. Most children with developmental delay benefit from a combination of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy — though the relative weights vary.
Our approach
- Comprehensive initial assessment across motor, language, cognitive, social, and self-care domains using validated developmental measures.
- A treatment plan with specific goals in each affected domain.
- Coordinated therapy — disciplines meet to align goals and strategies.
- Family coaching in every session, with explicit home program work between sessions.
- Regular reassessment against developmental milestones.
- Coordination with the child's pediatrician, school, and other specialists.
Outcome measures we use
- Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development
- Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS-2)
- CELF-5 / Preschool Language Scales
- Sensory Profile-2
- Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
- Goal Attainment Scaling
Who leads this work at Kent
Developmental delay treatment at Kent is led by Arshiya Noora across the pediatric multidisciplinary team.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as developmental delay?
Significant lag (typically more than 25% behind chronological age) in one or more developmental domains: gross motor, fine motor, language, cognitive, social, or self-care. Your pediatrician can do initial screening; we do detailed assessment to identify the specific pattern.
My pediatrician told me to wait and see. Should I?
Sometimes wait-and-see is appropriate (e.g., for very minor delays in one domain). But if you have ongoing concerns or the delay is significant in any domain, assessment is appropriate. Earlier intervention is consistently better than later, and assessment is rarely harmful.
Will my child catch up?
Some children with developmental delay catch up fully; others reach their milestones with structured therapy support; others have ongoing differences. The trajectory depends on the cause and the child. We give realistic clinical opinions based on assessment, not generic statistics.
How many sessions per week will my child need?
Most developmental delay programs run 2–4 sessions per week across the relevant disciplines. The exact schedule depends on the child's age, the delay pattern, and what is sustainable for the family.
Do you coordinate with my pediatrician?
Yes, with consent. We send written assessment and progress reports to your pediatrician and other specialists involved in your child's care. Coordination matters for children with complex developmental needs.
Will my child need genetic testing?
Genetic testing for developmental delay is ordered by your pediatrician or geneticist, not by us. We sometimes recommend onward referral for testing when assessment suggests it would be useful, but we are not the team that runs or interprets genetic tests.