WHAT IS GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT?

As your child grows up, they will learn, grow, and change. These changes are all part of the process of growth and development. Challenges during this time are not uncommon for young children, which is why we assess developmental milestones to make sure your child’s development is on track. Developmental milestones in infants include first steps, first smile, and other similar achievements. As your child gets older, their weight, height, social skills and cognitive ability will also be measured as part of growth and development checks.

Dr Shah adopts a holistic approach to growth and development in children, understanding that not all children are the same. In fact, environment, nutrition, exercise and genetics can all affect growth in children. When assessing growth and development, Dr Shah considers these factors alongside your child's growth chart.

THE PERIODS OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Infancy
• Toddler
• Childhood
• Adolescence

TYPES OF DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

Play, learning, speech, behaviour, and development all take giant leaps as children age. While every child grows and changes at their own pace, these benchmarks can give you an idea of their typical progression. Children typically need to have their developmental milestones monitored in the following categories:

• Hearing and speech
• Vision
• Fine and Gross Motor Skills
• Personal and Social Skills