CDC, AAP debut tool to help identify child motor development delays

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC, along with the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, have introduced a new online tool that can help parents identify possible signs of physical developmental delays in their children.

According to a statement from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the tool, “Physical Developmental Delays: What to Look For,” is available at motordelay.aap.org and can be a first step to identifying children aged 5 years and younger who have a motor delay. The tool can also help link children the therapy or other treatment they require.

The tool includes descriptions of physical development levels, grouped by age and activity. Users can also access information on specific concerns, tips for talking with pediatricians, resources for physical delays and videos that show examples or delayed development.

“All children develop at different rates, including different rates for achieving motor milestones,” Gary Noritz, MD, FAAP, a member of the AAP Council on Children and Disabilities’ executive committee, said in a press release. “Many children who have delayed motor milestones don’t necessarily have serious problems, but some do. Parents are pretty good at watching their children develop, so if they have concerns, they should trust their gut and talk with their child’s pediatrician about their concerns and what they can do to improve their child’s motor development.”

According to the AAP and CDC, parent concerns regarding motor development should be addressed as soon as possible, as such delays can be symptomatic of a serious medical condition, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.

Some possible signs of motor development delays provided by the AAP and CDC include a toddler who waddles when they walk, or an infant who always uses the same hand to bring objects to their mouth.

“The new tool is an easy-to-use resource for parents to assess concerns about their child’s physical development,” Georgina Peacock, MD, MPH, FAAP, director of the CDC Division of Human Development and Disability, said in a press release. “By equipping parents with the information they need to talk with their child’s pediatrician, CDC hopes to shorten the amount of time from a parents’ first concern to when their child receives a diagnosis and begins receiving services.” – by Jason Laday

For more information:

http://motordelay.aap.org/