Summary

An overview of how to spot possible developmental delays and support early screening for disabilities in children. Explains what developmental milestones are and how they fall into motor, sensory, language, cognitive, and social-emotional areas across childhood stages. Clarifies the difference between a delay and a disability and emphasizes monitoring early and often, since early intervention works best while the brain is developing rapidly. Includes examples of milestones, notes that children develop at different rates, and points readers to related fact sheets in the Understanding Disabilities series.