Developmental Concerns

Speech Delay

What it is:
Speech delay is when a child develops language skills more slowly than expected. It can involve delays in understanding language, speaking, or both.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Limited vocabulary for age

• Difficulty forming sentences

• Trouble understanding simple instructions

• Limited use of gestures or facial expressions

• Difficulty pronouncing words clearly

Global Developmental / Cognitive Delay

What it is:
Global developmental delay refers to significant delays in multiple areas of development, including motor skills, communication, and cognitive abilities.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Delayed milestones such as sitting, walking, or talking

• Difficulty with problem-solving or reasoning tasks

• Limited social interactions or play

• Challenges with self-care tasks like dressing or feeding

• Unusual or repetitive behaviours

Behavioural & Psychological Concerns

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What it is:
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Difficulty paying attention or staying focused

• Impulsiveness or acting without thinking

• Restlessness or excessive movement

• Difficulty following instructions or completing tasks

• Interrupting others during conversations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What it is:
ASD is a developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour. It encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity levels.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Limited eye contact or difficulty understanding social cues

• Repetitive behaviours or routines

• Intense focus on specific interests or topics

• Delayed speech or language development

• Sensory sensitivities, such as to lights or sounds

Emotional Regulation, Anxiety & Depression

What it is:
These conditions involve difficulties in managing emotions, leading to excessive worry (anxiety) or persistent sadness (depression). They can impact a child's daily life and relationships.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Excessive worrying or fearfulness

• Withdrawal from social activities or peers

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

• Irritability or mood swings

• Physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches without a clear cause

Learning Difficulty / School Refusal

What it is:
Learning difficulties are conditions that affect how a child processes information, making learning tasks more challenging. School refusal involves a child's reluctance or refusal to attend school.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Difficulty reading, writing, or with mathematics

• Trouble following instructions or staying organised

• Frequent absences from school or complaints about attending

• Emotional distress related to school activities

• Declining academic performance

Sleep Onset & Maintenance Difficulties

What it is:
These difficulties involve problems falling asleep (sleep onset) or staying asleep throughout the night (sleep maintenance). They can lead to daytime fatigue and behavioural issues.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Difficulty falling asleep at bedtime

• Waking up frequently during the night

• Early morning waking and inability to return to sleep

• Nightmares or night terrors

• Daytime sleepiness or irritability

Anger Issues

What it is:
Anger issues in children involve frequent or intense episodes of anger that are disproportionate to the situation. These can affect relationships and daily functioning.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Frequent temper tantrums or outbursts

• Aggressive behaviour towards others or property

• Difficulty calming down after becoming upset

• Mood swings or irritability

• Difficulty expressing feelings appropriately

Acute Medical Conditions

Asthma

What it is:
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. It is common in children and can be triggered by factors such as allergens, cold air, exercise, or respiratory infections.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)

• Persistent coughing, especially at night or during physical activity

• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing

• Tightness in the chest

• Difficulty sleeping due to breathing problems

Constipation

What it is:
Constipation occurs when a child has infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often accompanied by hard, dry stools. It can be caused by factors like a low-fibre diet, dehydration, or holding in stools due to discomfort.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week

• Straining or pain during bowel movements

• Abdominal pain or bloating

• Hard, dry stools

• Soiling accidents or leakage

Recurrent Abdominal Pain

What it is:
Recurrent abdominal pain refers to frequent episodes of stomach discomfort that occur over a period of time. It is common in children and can be related to stress, anxiety, or gastrointestinal issues.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Cramping or aching pain in the abdomen

• Pain occurring at specific times, such as before school or after meals

• No other signs of serious illness, such as fever or weight loss

• Headaches or difficulty sleeping

• Episodes lasting for at least two months

Urinary Incontinence & UTIs

What it is:
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, while urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections affecting the bladder or kidneys. Both conditions can impact a child's comfort and confidence.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Bedwetting during the day or night

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate

• Pain or burning sensation during urination

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

• Abdominal pain or fever (in case of UTI)

Failure to Thrive

What it is:
Failure to thrive is a condition where a child does not gain weight or grow at the expected rate. It can result from inadequate nutrition, medical conditions, or emotional factors.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Weight or height significantly below the expected range for age

• Poor appetite or feeding difficulties

• Delayed developmental milestones

• Fatigue or lack of energy

• Irritability or unusual behaviour

Respiratory Infections

What it is:
Respiratory infections are illnesses that affect the nose, throat, and lungs. They are common in children and can range from mild colds to more serious conditions like pneumonia.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Runny or blocked nose

• Cough, which may produce mucus

• Sore throat or hoarseness

• Fever or chills

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

Newborn & Infant Issues

Unsettled Babies

What it is:
Unsettled babies are infants who cry frequently and are difficult to soothe. This behaviour is common and can be attributed to factors like hunger, discomfort, or the need for attention.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Crying for extended periods without an apparent reason

• Difficulty settling or sleeping

• Clenched fists or pulling legs towards the tummy

• Arching of the back

• Fussiness during or after feeding

Reflux (GOR/GORD)

What it is:
Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is when stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus, causing discomfort. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a more severe form that can affect feeding and growth.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Spitting up or vomiting after feeding

• Arching the back or stiffening during or after feeds

• Irritability or crying during feeding

• Poor weight gain or feeding difficulties

• Coughing or choking during feeds

Feeding Problems

What it is:
Feeding problems in infants can include difficulties with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or transitioning to solid foods. These issues can affect a child's growth and development.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle

• Refusal to feed or prolonged feeding times

• Gagging or choking during feeding

• Coughing or spitting up frequently

• Poor weight gain or growth