What is developmental regression in children?
Developmental regression occurs when the child loses critical developmental skills that they acquired before. Developmental regression refers to when a child regresses in terms of their development.
Developmental regression is considered uncommon and linked to several diagnoses, each study necessitating immediate attention and medical intervention. Treatment is highly effective when developmental regression is caught early.
Types of disorders categorised under developmental regression include the following:
- Autism spectrum disorder: Autism spectrum disorder is labelled a type of neurological condition that affects your overall development. This type of developmental regression impacts behaviour, social and communication skills and learning.
- Neurodegenerative conditions: Neurodegenerative conditions are neurological disorders that affect portions of the nervous system, including the brain. Unfortunately, these conditions were considered untreatable in the past. However, due to medical advancements and innovative medical approaches, symptoms can be managed appropriately.
- Stress or trauma: Severely traumatic incidents can result in developmental regression. Usually, those who encounter a traumatic event move backwards in terms of development. Usually, developmental regression is a standard coping mechanism for untreated trauma and stress in adults. The types of behaviour exhibited include temper tantrums, thumb sucking and baby talk.
What are the signs of developmental regression?
- Tantrums
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty eating
- Immature/underdeveloped speech
How do you treat developmental regression?
There exist various treatments for developmental regression, such as the following:
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy is a medical treatment that focuses on assisting those who exhibit cognitive, sensory and physical issues.
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a common form of rehabilitation that restores the patient’s wellbeing, physical function and mobility.
- Speech therapy: Speech therapy assists those with language difficulties and speech problems. As a result, speech therapy improves an individual’s ability to speak and utilise other vital language skills.
- Psychomotor therapy focuses on improving body signals such as posture, breathing, tension and body sensations.
Frequently asked questions
Does developmental regression last long?
Developmental regression can last several weeks.
Can a child recuperate from a developmental delay?
With early, intense intervention, a child can recover and cope with a developmental delay.
What can cause developmental delays?
Several treatments for developmental delays exist, such as behavioural therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
- Chronic ear infections
- Stroke
- Trauma
