Parents Checklist / Early Signs

Is My Child Showing Signs of Delay? A Guide for Concerned Parents

If you're reading this page, you're probably worried. Maybe your child isn't talking yet. Maybe they're struggling in school despite being smart. Maybe a teacher or relative said something that planted a seed of concern in your mind.

First, take a breath. You're not alone, and you're doing the right thing by seeking information.

At Samatva Nurturing Futures in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai (easily accessible to Mumbai parents via Atal Setu), we work with hundreds of families navigating these exact worries. This checklist will help you identify early warning signs across different developmental areas—and more importantly, understand what to do next.


🚨 Important: This is NOT a Diagnostic Tool

This checklist helps you identify red flags that warrant professional evaluation. It does NOT replace assessment by a qualified developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or special educator.

If you check multiple boxes, please schedule a consultation. Early intervention makes a profound difference.


👶 Speech & Language Development

Age 12-18 Months:

Warning Signs:

What's Normal: By 12 months, most children say at least one word. By 18 months, they should have 10-20 words and be combining gestures with sounds.


Age 18-24 Months:

Warning Signs:

What's Normal: By age 2, most children use 50+ words and are combining two words ("more juice," "daddy go").


Age 2-3 Years:

Warning Signs:

What's Normal: By age 3, children should be using 3-4 word sentences and be understood by familiar adults most of the time.


Age 3+ Years:

Warning Signs:


⚡ Attention & Activity Level (ADHD Signs)

Toddler/Preschool Age (2-5 years):

Warning Signs:

What's Normal: Toddlers have lots of energy! The difference is severity and context—can they calm for stories, meals, or screen time? Or is there truly no "off switch"?


School Age (6+ years):

Warning Signs:


👀 Social Communication & Interaction (Autism Signs)

Infancy & Toddlerhood (6-24 months):

Warning Signs:


Ages 2-5 Years:

Warning Signs:


Ages 5+ Years:

Warning Signs:


👂👁️ Sensory Processing Issues

Over-Responsive (Sensory Sensitive):

Warning Signs:

Our Centre in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai is designed to help children get comfortable with their environment through gradual sensory integration and regulation strategies.


Under-Responsive (Sensory Seeking):

Warning Signs:


📚 Learning & Academic Skills

Preschool (Ages 3-5):

Warning Signs:


Early Elementary (Ages 6-8):

Warning Signs:


Upper Elementary & Beyond (Ages 9+):

Warning Signs:


🤔 Cognitive & Problem-Solving

Warning Signs Across Ages:


🚶 Motor Skills

Gross Motor (Large Movements):

Warning Signs:


Fine Motor (Small Movements):

Warning Signs:


😤 Behavior & Emotional Regulation

Warning Signs:


🗣️ Non-Verbal Children: Special Considerations

We offer specialized programs for non-verbal children, focusing on alternative communication methods to help them express their needs without frustration.

Signs Your Non-Verbal Child Needs Support:

Alternative Communication Methods We Use:

Our goal: Every child deserves a way to communicate, even if spoken language isn't accessible to them.


📊 Age-by-Age Quick Reference

By Age 1:

✅ Should: Babble, respond to name, gesture, say 1-2 words
 🚩 Concern: No babbling, doesn't respond to name, no gestures


By Age 2:

✅ Should: 50+ words, two-word phrases, follows simple instructions, pretend play
 🚩 Concern: No words, doesn't point or show, no interest in other children


By Age 3:

✅ Should: 3-4 word sentences, understood by strangers, asks questions, engages in play with peers
 🚩 Concern: Speech unclear, repeats phrases without understanding, avoids interaction, extreme tantrums


By Age 5:

✅ Should: Clear speech, tells stories, plays cooperatively, shows interest in letters/numbers
 🚩 Concern: Can't have conversation, no interest in peers, can't sit for activities, doesn't recognize any letters


By Age 7:

✅ Should: Reading simple books, writing sentences, basic math, following classroom routines
 🚩 Concern: Not reading, can't write legibly, can't complete homework, frequent behavioral issues


🚦 What to Do If You Checked Multiple Boxes

Step 1: Don't Panic (But Don't Wait)

Early intervention is powerful. The earlier challenges are identified, the better the outcomes. But worrying alone doesn't help—action does.


Step 2: Schedule Professional Evaluation

Who to See:

For speech/language concerns:

For developmental / behavioral concerns:

For motor concerns:


Step 3: Contact Samatva for Educational Assessment

We can help you:

We're located in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai—easily accessible from:


Step 4: Start Intervention While Awaiting Diagnosis

You don't need a formal diagnosis to begin support.

At Samatva, we can start working on:

Many of our families begin intervention before receiving a formal diagnosis—and that's perfectly fine.


💭 Common Parent Questions

"Should I wait and see if they outgrow it?"

Short answer: No.

The "wait and see" approach often leads to:

Better approach: Evaluate now. If there's no issue, you'll have peace of mind. If there is an issue, you'll have caught it early.


"What if I'm overreacting? Will people think I'm a paranoid parent?"

It's better to be "paranoid" and wrong than dismissive and miss critical signs.

Professionals who work with children would much rather see a parent who's proactive than one who waits until challenges become crises.


**"Will my child be labeled or stigmatized?"

Labels vs. Support:

Without evaluation and support:

With evaluation and support:

Stigma comes from ignorance, not from getting help.


"What if it's just their personality or my parenting?"

Neurodevelopmental differences are not caused by:

If your child is showing multiple red flags, it's not your fault—and it's not their fault. It's biology, and it requires specialized support.


"Can they still go to regular school?"

Many children with developmental differences attend mainstream schools successfully with:

Some children thrive better in:

Our goal: Help your child access the educational environment where they can succeed and be happy.


📞 Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you've identified concerns on this checklist, let's talk.

What Happens in a Free Consultation?

15-Minute Phone Call:


What Happens in a Comprehensive Assessment?

You Receive:


📍 Contact Samatva Nurturing Futures

Shweta Singla
 RCI Certified Special Educator
 B.Ed (Special Education) | M.Sc. Biotechnology

Location:
 Shop No 3, Plot No 10, Bhaweshwar Iris
 Sector 17, Ulwe, Navi Mumbai - 410206

Easily Accessible From:

Phone: +91 91524 95556
 Email: samatvanurturingfutures@gmail.com
 Website: www.samatvanf.co.in

Connect with Us:
 Instagram: @samatva.specialed
 Facebook: Samatva Nurturing Futures
 YouTube: @SamatvaSpecialEd
 LinkedIn: Samatva Nurturing Futures


🌐 Online Services Available

Can't travel to Ulwe? We offer online assessments and therapy sessions for families across India.  Our Goolge Reviews will prove that our online sessions are equally suitable.


📚 Additional Resources


🎯 Remember:

You know your child best. If something feels off, trust your instincts.

Early intervention isn't about labeling or limiting your child—it's about giving them the support they need to reach their full potential.

The earlier we start, the brighter their future.


Final Encouragement

If you're feeling overwhelmed right now, that's completely normal. The fact that you've read this entire checklist shows how much you care about your child's well-being.

You're not alone. Hundreds of families in Navi Mumbai and Mumbai have sat exactly where you're sitting right now—worried, uncertain, hoping for answers.

And most of them look back a year later and say: "I'm so glad we didn't wait. Getting help was the best decision we made."

Let that be your story too.

Call us today: +91 91524 95556