About Child Development

Child development refers to the way kids grow, but there is more to development than physical growth. Children also develop their ability to communicate, to solve problems, and to navigate their physical and social worlds.

Development is measured using milestones, skills that almost all kids at a given age are able to do. For example, nearly all 3 year olds can recognize themselves in a mirror. Children who do not meet these milestones at the same time as their peers may have a developmental delay, like speech and hearing difficulties, ADHD or autism. Early treatment and support for kids with developmental delays helps children reach their full potential and may prevent delays from affecting long term growth and learning.