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Early Signs
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Signs & concerns
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Signs & concerns
Why does my child grind their teeth?
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in young children and usually harmless — often linked to new teeth, jaw growth, tiredness, tension, or sensory regulation, and most children grow out of it. Check with a dentist or doctor if it causes worn teeth, jaw pain, or comes with disturbed sleep, and consider a developmental check if it sits within wider sensory or regulation concerns.
Read the answer AnswerWhy does my child melt down over small changes?
Children often melt down over small changes because routine feels safe and the unexpected feels overwhelming — their brains are still learning to manage surprise, transitions and big feelings. This is common and usually eases with support. Seek a developmental check if the distress is very intense, very frequent, hard to recover from, or stops your child joining everyday life.
Read the answer AnswerWhy does my child not copy actions or sounds?
Imitation is how young children learn to connect, and it develops step by step. A child may not copy actions or sounds yet because the skill is still emerging, because of hearing or attention factors, or sometimes because social-communication development needs a closer look. It is one signal to observe gently, not a diagnosis — a short developmental check is the simplest way to understand it.
Read the answer AnswerWhy does my child not do pretend play?
Pretend play usually begins around 18 months and grows through age 2–3. A delay can have ordinary causes — play preference, emerging language, or fewer chances to practise — but because pretend play depends on social and communication skills, no pretend play by age 2, especially with speech or social delays, is worth a gentle developmental check. Any diagnosis is formed only at a Pinnacle centre under clinician care.
Read the answer AnswerWhy does my child not point to show me things?
Children usually begin pointing to share things they find interesting between 12 and 16 months — a skill called joint attention. Many ordinary reasons explain a delay, but if a child isn't pointing to show by 16–18 months, doesn't follow your point, or loses skills, a general developmental check is wise. This is reassurance and observation, never a diagnosis.
Read the answer AnswerWhy does my child not react to loud sounds?
A child not reacting to loud sounds may be deeply focused, may process sound differently, or may have a hearing difference. Hearing must be checked first with a quick audiology test, alongside a general developmental check. Many causes are treatable, and early checking protects speech and learning.
Read the answer AnswerWhy does my child not wave or gesture?
Gestures like waving and pointing usually appear between 9 and 12 months and are early ways a child communicates before words. Not gesturing yet can be normal-range, a hearing issue, fewer chances to imitate, or sometimes an early communication sign. No babble or gesture by 12 months is a recognised reason for a gentle developmental check.
Read the answer AnswerWhy does my child prefer to play alone?
Most children who play alone are doing something healthy — building focus, imagination and confidence, and moving naturally through solo, parallel and shared play. It's only worth a closer look if a child seems unable to join others, ignores faces and names, or shows speech delays. A clinical AbilityScore and any diagnosis come only from a Pinnacle centre.
Read the answer AnswerWhy Does My Child Put Everything in Their Mouth?
Mouthing objects is a normal way babies and toddlers explore the world, soothe sore gums and practise hand-to-mouth coordination. It peaks around 6–18 months and fades naturally. Mention it at a check if it persists strongly beyond age 2–3, involves non-food items, or comes with other developmental concerns.
Read the answer AnswerWhy Does My Child Repeat Words or Phrases (Echolalia)?
Repeating words or phrases is called echolalia and is usually a normal part of how young children learn to talk — copying helps them practise and hold onto language. It is worth a developmental check when it strongly persists past age 3, replaces flexible conversation, or appears with other communication differences.
Read the answer AnswerWhy does my child spin objects or wheels?
Spinning wheels or objects is a common, often harmless play behaviour driven by fascination with movement and cause-and-effect, and sometimes by sensory comfort. It only warrants a closer look when it is intense, hard to interrupt, strongly preferred over varied play, and paired with other signs like limited pointing, reduced response to name or delayed speech. Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Read the answer AnswerWhy does my child stare at lights or fans?
Staring at lights or fans is very common and usually typical — a developing brain is drawn to movement, contrast and glow, and it can be calming. It's a concern only when intense, hard to interrupt, or paired with limited eye contact, no response to name, or fewer words and gestures than expected. A diagnosis is never made from one behaviour; a clinician looks at the whole picture.
Read the answer AnswerWhy does my child walk on their toes?
Toe walking is common in toddlers and is often a harmless habit that settles on its own. It is worth a check when a child over 2 still toe-walks most of the time, can't put heels flat, or has it alongside speech, play or movement delays. Toe walking is something we observe, not a diagnosis — the cause is what a clinician helps uncover.
Read the answer AnswerWhy does my older child still drool a lot?
Most children control saliva well by about age 4. Drooling beyond this is usually about oral-muscle control, open-mouth posture (often from a blocked nose) or how often a child swallows — rarely about making too much saliva. Most causes respond well to support; a developmental check helps if it persists past 4 or comes with chewing, swallowing or speech difficulties.
Read the answer AnswerWhy Is My Child Constantly Moving and Running?
Constant movement is normal and healthy for most toddlers and preschoolers — young children learn through their bodies, and high energy reflects an exploring brain. A closer developmental look helps only when a child can almost never settle, takes repeated risks, or shows the same restless pattern across home, childcare and play, usually from around age 4–5.
Read the answer AnswerWhy is my child late to crawl or walk?
Crawling typically happens between 6–10 months and walking between 9–18 months — a wide, healthy range, and some babies skip crawling. Gentle reasons include individual pace, muscle tone, temperament and less floor practice. Seek a check if a child isn't sitting by ~9 months, not pulling to stand by ~12 months, not walking by 18 months, uses one side much more, or loses a skill. A clinical AbilityScore® and diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle centre.
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