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Signs of Sensory Processing Differences at 2: What To Do
Some sensitivity to sound, light, textures and movement is common at two, so most early sensory differences are observed rather than labelled. If your toddler regularly struggles in ways that disrupt eating, sleeping, dressing or play, a gentle developmental check is wise. Predictable routines, calm spaces, slow introductions and movement breaks help, and occupational therapy offers tailored support.
Read the answer AnswerSpeech and Language Delay at 2 — What Parents Can Do
At two, speech and language delay is common and highly responsive to early support. Many two-year-olds use around 50 words and join two together, but every child differs. The best steps are a structured developmental check (including hearing) and plenty of warm, language-rich everyday play you can start today.
Read the answer AnswerSigns of Cerebral Palsy in a 3-to-6-month-old
At 3–6 months, signs that may suggest cerebral palsy — stiffness, floppiness, a strong hand preference or unusual movements — are reasons to see a paediatrician promptly, not a diagnosis. Many babies develop typically; where there is a concern, the earliest months are when supportive help works best, so prompt clinical review is the right next step.
Read the answer AnswerMy 3-to-6-month-old is showing signs of Down syndrome — what should I do?
If you suspect Down syndrome in your 3-to-6-month-old, the right step is a prompt paediatric visit — it is confirmed by a blood test (karyotype), not by looks. Present from birth, it is recognised early, and early support for the heart, hearing, vision and movement, plus play-based therapy, helps your baby thrive from these very months.
Read the answer AnswerADHD signs in a 3-year-old — what to do
At three, restlessness, impulsivity and short attention are usually part of normal development, not ADHD — which is rarely diagnosed this young. Support attention, sleep, movement and communication through daily routines, and arrange a general developmental check so a qualified clinician can see the whole picture rather than a single label.
Read the answer AnswerMy 3-year-old is showing signs of Autism Spectrum — what should I do?
If your 3-year-old shows signs of Autism Spectrum, book a clinician-led developmental assessment rather than waiting. Age three is an ideal time to act — early support widens later choices. Note your observations, keep connecting through play, and seek a structured evaluation; signs are patterns to share, never a self-diagnosis.
Read the answer AnswerSigns of Global Developmental Delay at 3 — What to Do
If your 3-year-old shows signs of Global Developmental Delay, act early: note what you're seeing, check hearing and vision, and book a structured developmental assessment. At three the brain is highly responsive, and tailored early support changes trajectories. GDD describes where your child is now, not where they are heading.
Read the answer AnswerSensory Processing Differences in a 3-Year-Old: A Parent's Guide
At 3, occasional sensitivity to sound, texture, light or movement is common and often settles. If reactions are intense, frequent and disrupt daily life — meals, dressing, play, sleep or social time — a gentle developmental check helps. Sensory Processing Differences are a profile to understand and support through play, not a flaw to fix.
Read the answer AnswerMy 3-Year-Old Has Signs of Speech and Language Delay — What Should I Do?
At three years, a speech and language delay is highly treatable — the best step is a proper developmental check rather than waiting. Speech-language therapy works well at this age, and simple daily habits like narrating, reading and following your child's lead help a great deal. A hearing check is also worth arranging early.
Read the answer AnswerADHD Signs in a 4-Year-Old: What Should I Do?
Much of what looks like ADHD at four is also normal preschool behaviour. ADHD can be recognised in preschoolers, but only by a clinician who observes attention and regulation across multiple settings over time — not from one worrying day. For now, keep a short behaviour diary, build calm and predictable routines, protect sleep and active play, and book a developmental check so a qualified clinician can see the full picture.
Read the answer AnswerMy 4-year-old is showing signs of Sensory Processing Differences — what should I do?
Signs of sensory processing differences in a 4-year-old — distress at noise, textures, food or movement, or intense sensory-seeking — are best addressed with an early developmental check by an occupational therapist. At four the brain responds beautifully to support, so acting now helps. Keep a trigger diary, build calming routines, tell the preschool, and book an OT-led assessment.
Read the answer AnswerMy 5-year-old is showing signs of ADHD — what should I do?
At five, plenty of children are active, impulsive and distractible — much of this is age-typical. ADHD is identified through a consistent pattern seen across home and school over months, not from one worried week. The best next step is a calm developmental check that looks at attention, activity and daily coping, plus a simple home diary and a chat with your child's teacher — so you get clarity and a plan, not a label.
Read the answer AnswerMy 6–9-month-old is showing signs of Cerebral Palsy — what should I do?
If your 6–9-month-old shows possible signs of Cerebral Palsy such as stiffness, floppiness, early hand preference or poor head control, seek a prompt paediatric and developmental check. Early signs warrant assessment, not panic — and because an infant's brain is so adaptable, early physiotherapy and intervention work best. Bring videos of what you've noticed and let clinicians guide diagnosis and care.
Read the answer AnswerSigns of Down Syndrome in My 6–9-Month-Old: What to Do
If you notice possible signs of Down syndrome in your 6–9-month-old, see your paediatrician promptly for a genetic (karyotype) blood test that confirms or rules it out — appearance alone cannot. Down syndrome is present from birth, so a clinical check now gives a clear answer. Begin early developmental support either way, and arrange the routine heart, hearing, vision and thyroid checks. Many children with Down syndrome grow, learn and thrive with early help.
Read the answer AnswerSigns of ADHD in a 6-Year-Old: What Should I Do?
At 6, signs like distractibility, fidgeting or impulsivity may be ADHD or simply normal energy — what matters is whether they're frequent, cross both home and school, and disrupt daily life. Keep a diary, ask the teacher, check sleep/hearing/vision, and book a clinician-led developmental check. Diagnosis needs multi-setting evidence and a qualified clinician, never a checklist.
Read the answer AnswerMy 9–12-month-old shows signs of autism — what should I do?
At 9–12 months, autism is not diagnosed — what you may be noticing are differences in connection, play and communication that are worth watching, not labelling. Reliable autism assessment becomes meaningful from around 18–24 months. The best step now is to enjoy everyday connection, watch a few specific milestones, and book a general developmental check so any support starts early.
Read the answer AnswerMy 9-to-12-month-old is showing signs of cerebral palsy — what should I do?
If your 9-to-12-month-old shows movement signs like stiffness, floppiness, early strong hand preference, or not sitting, arrange a developmental check soon. This is about early support, not a frightening label — the infant brain responds wonderfully to early intervention, and any diagnosis is made only by a qualified clinician.
Read the answer AnswerSigns of Down syndrome at 9-12 months: what to do
Down syndrome is present from birth and confirmed only by a karyotype blood test, not by observation. If you notice signs at 9–12 months, see your paediatrician promptly for examination and testing, plus early heart, hearing and vision checks. Whatever the result, early developmental support at this age genuinely helps your baby thrive.
Read the answer AnswerSigns of Global Developmental Delay at 9–12 months: what to do
If your 9-to-12-month-old seems behind across several areas, the right step is a prompt, gentle developmental check — not panic. At this age clinicians observe and support rather than label. Check hearing and vision, note what you see, keep playing and talking, and book a review with a qualified clinician, who profiles strengths first.
Read the answer AnswerBaby not making eye contact — is it urgent?
Reduced eye contact in a baby is usually not urgent and depends heavily on age — fleeting gaze is normal in newborns, with warmer, frequent eye contact developing by 3–6 months. See a doctor promptly if your baby has lost a skill, doesn't respond to sound or your voice, or has no social smile by around 3 months; a hearing and vision check comes first.
Read the answer AnswerMy Brother or Sister Goes to Therapy — What Does It Mean?
When a brother or sister goes to therapy, it means they meet a friendly therapist who uses play and practice to make a tricky skill easier — like talking, moving or staying calm. It is not a punishment and not because they are unwell; it is gentle extra help, and siblings can help just by playing and being loving. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Read the answer AnswerMy child bangs their head — should I be worried?
Head-banging is common in babies and toddlers and is usually a harmless, self-soothing habit they outgrow by age three or four. It warrants a developmental check if it is frequent through the day, causes injury, continues past the toddler years, or appears with delays in speech, play or social connection. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Read the answer AnswerMy child bites other people — should I be worried?
For most young children, biting is a normal stage driven by teething, big feelings without words, sensory needs or tiredness — not a sign something is wrong. Calm, consistent responses and naming feelings usually help it fade. A check is worth it if biting is frequent and intense beyond about age three or pairs with delays in talking or play. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Read the answer AnswerChild Can Spin Without Getting Dizzy — Should You Worry?
A child who can spin without getting dizzy is usually not a worry on its own — many movement-seeking children build a well-practised balance (vestibular) system. What matters is the whole picture of how your child moves, plays and communicates. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
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