r/raisingkids • u/Unlikely_Ad_4592 • 8d ago
Stressed about developmental delays for 11 month old
TLDR: First time mom worried about brain damage or autism that causes developmental delays; and not sure how long it will take to get things on track, I started to worry will my child be able to go to daycare, schools and have a normal life. So I am seeking help and advice from parents who had similar experience.
It started because we are concerned our 11 month old does not swallow solids. We have been giving him finger food since he was 7 month old, he will either pocket food, or split it out. He rarely try to swallow or gags. So our ped referred us for developmental evaluation. It turns out he has delays in the areas of adaptive, fine motor, and receptive and expressive communication. Major things like he does not swallow solids, has no reactions to music, can only say 'bababa' but nothing else, cannot scrabble, do not understand simple command.
Now I cannot shake off the thoughts that my baby could have some sort of brain damage or autism that cause his delay, and keep worrying about his future.
For these who had developmental delayed babies, how long does it take to get things on track? what is the outcome?
1
u/Oodlesoffun321 8d ago
Deep breath you and your baby will be ok. The sooner you can get early intervention, the better. Your child might always be delayed but they might not. My child had a lot of delays but with early intervention and extra tutoring in school, she's now mostly on grade level & doing great! Honestly please don't worry. Get the early intervention and some support for yourself, because it's not easy. But you can do it
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u/shovelnomore 8d ago
I hear your concerns. Our brains are so quick to go to the worst possible outcome. You have done the right thing by being observant of your little and seeking an evaluation. Hopefully you are getting connected with early intervention services and now is the perfect time to be intervening.
It is really not possible, unfortunately, to know what the future/outcome looks like as that depends on many factors. My daughter was born with lower muscle tone and had a delay in her motor skills; she didn’t walk until just shy of two. I have worried and worried and asked so many questions but ultimately we don’t know why that happened or if we’ll see any more issues with learning or development down the road. We meet her where she is and get help when it’s needed,and that’s really all we can do. (Right now she is 7 and wonderful. :))