Developmental delays in preschoolers

The term developmental delay is when a child is developing skills more slowly than other children in the same age group. 

Developmental milestones are a general guide, and some children may reach milestones earlier or later.

  • Developmental delay can be a concern for parents, but it's important to remember that a delay in reaching certain milestones doesn’t always mean there is a long-term issue.
  • In many cases, it simply means your child needs some extra time or support in some areas.
  • There are services that can assess and support children with developmental delays to help them reach their full potential.

Early identification

The earlier your child’s developmental delay is identified and support is put in place, the better the outcome for your child and family.

Speak to your family doctor or paediatrician if your child isn’t developing at the same rate as other children the same age or as outlined in their blue book. The blue book is a free personal health record of your child that provides valuable information about their health and development.

See the Developmental delay factsheet for more information.

Skill regression

Regression is when your child goes backwards in their development and may behave in a younger or needier way. 

Skill regression can occur at any age and may happen because children are in a new situation, such as attending preschool, or they may be preparing themselves to develop further. Some skill regression is common; however, if you have concerns, speak to your family doctor or paediatrician.

Screening for developmental delay

Developmental delays are likely to be identified at regular health check-ups with your family doctor. However, some services offer support in the year before primary school to give children the best chance to learn, grow and reach their full potential at school.

4-year developmental checks

A lot of children aren’t getting their routine four-year developmental checks to track how they are growing. Free four-year developmental checks are being offered to early childhood and care services to ensure your child is on the right track before they start school. The checks involve health professionals assessing your child’s language, social, cognitive, and movement skills, as well as how their physical bodies are growing. 

Vaccinations aren’t given at these checks. These checks won’t happen without your knowledge, as you need to consent to them. Ask your child’s preschool or long day care service to find out when the development checks are coming to your child's service.

If your child has already had their four-year checks through your family doctor, they do not need to have these checks done again at preschool.

Approximately 2 in 5 children are starting primary school with developmental difficulties.

Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program

The StEPS program offers a free eye test for four-year-olds before they start school. Your child is unlikely to tell you they can’t see properly; therefore, a test is the best way to know how healthy their eyes are. Vision is essential to learning at school, therefore, it is crucial to understand your child’s eyesight to give them the best chance to thrive.
Most preschools or childcare centres will organise StEPS to attend their service. However, if your child isn’t enrolled in care or misses the screening, you can find your local clinic on the StEPS website.

The earlier vision problems are identified and treated, the better the outcome for your child.

Early Intervention Services

Developmental delay is treated with early intervention. Early intervention means providing support early to help children "catch up". This includes therapy, support, education, and monitoring from professionals such as:

  • occupational therapists
  • audiologists
  • physiotherapists
  • psychologists
  • speech pathologists
  • social workers. 

These professionals will help your child to develop the skills they need to thrive. Some children require less or no support as they get older due to early intervention. 

If you are concerned about the support for your child, talk to your doctor about the possibility of accessing support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS provides funding to assist children under six years old with developmental delays in accessing therapy and support for early intervention. 

Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence is when a child’s brain functions differently from the majority of people who are at a similar age and stage. People who are neurodivergent may see the world differently from others. This includes diagnoses such as Autism and ADHD.

If your child is neurodivergent and you haven't already, talk to your doctor about accessing support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS provides funding to assist children with neurodivergence to access therapy and support for early intervention as well as ongoing services.