Experts say that it helps to think of motor development problems in terms of two categories: qualitative and quantitative. A qualitative disorder is something that is not normal in and of itself. Extreme stiffness in the limbs for example, is abnormal at any age. A quantitative disorder on the other hand, is when the behavior is appropriate but the timing is all off. For example, if your child is crawling but maybe shows no signs of walking well after one year. With that said, here are 5 red flags that something is not right in terms of motor development.
1. Your toddler’s limbs are stiff.
If your toddler has trouble bending or straightening is ankles and wrists to crawl or do similar activities he may have what’s referred to as high muscle tone. This is the most common symptom of spastic type cerebral palsy.
2. Your toddler’s muscles seem stuffy and loose.
Your toddler might seem ‘floppy’ to you. If you were to pick him up under his arms and swing him you may feel like you’re losing your grip. This is known as low muscle tone. This is most frequently seen in Down Syndrome or muscular dystrophy–however, these things are generally diagnosed in infancy. Benign congenital hypotonia is what doctors diagnose when there’s no other reason for poor muscle tone.
3. Your toddler doesn’t walk yet.
If your child is still crawling and scooting while other children his age seem to be running laps it could signal something’s wrong. It is important to note though that a child who doesn’t walk at 18 months falls into the unusual but normal category. It is important to be evaluated but it could just be his own time table. Doctors look at a variety of factors when diagnosing a child who is walking late. For example, is this the first milestone they’ve missed or did they crawl and sit late as well? Sometimes too, walking late is a sign of a lack of opportunity.
4. Toe walking.
Most toddlers engage in tip toeing on occasion. Researchers note that little girls set on being the next prima ballerina are especially inclined to walk on their tippy toes. However, if it seems that your child is unable to bear his weight on his feet, you should be concerned. Tip toeing is most often a sign of mild cerebral palsy although it can also be related to a physical deformity such as an achilles tendon that’s too short.
5. Your child favors one side of his body.
It is normal to see right handedness or left handedness show up around 18 to 24 months. In fact, we not only have dominant hands but a dominant preferences in our whole body. However, if your child seems unwilling or unable to use the other side of his body this could be a sign of a mild form of cerebral palsy known as hemiplegia.
Check back tomorrow for 5 more ‘red flags’.