Condition

Mental Motor Developmental Delay

What Is Intellectual and Motor Developmental Delay?

Developmental delay refers to a child not reaching motor, cognitive, language, or social milestones at the expected ages. When both motor and intellectual development are affected together, the delay is often related to an underlying neurological, genetic, or metabolic cause. Common associated conditions include Down syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities, foetal alcohol syndrome, congenital infections, and perinatal brain injury.

Signs of Developmental Delay

Not holding head steady by 4 months
Not sitting without support by 9 months
Not walking independently by 18 months
Limited or absent babbling / first words by 12–18 months
Poor eye contact or social engagement
Hypotonia (low muscle tone) — floppy appearance
Difficulty with age-appropriate play and problem-solving

Rehabilitation at ROMMER

At ROMMER, developmental delay is approached with a comprehensive, family-centred programme tailored to the child's unique profile of strengths and challenges:

Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises to develop motor milestones — head control, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. Muscle tone normalisation and balance training are core components.
Occupational Therapy: Fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, self-care activities (feeding, dressing), and sensory processing are addressed to support functional independence.
Speech and Language Therapy: Communication development, language comprehension and expression, and feeding/swallowing difficulties are evaluated and treated from early age.
Cognitive Stimulation: Structured play, problem-solving activities, and learning strategies are incorporated to support cognitive development.
Sensory Integration: Many children with developmental delay have difficulties processing sensory information; targeted sensory activities reduce distress and improve engagement.
Family Coaching: Parents and caregivers are equipped with strategies to support development at home — creating enriched environments, daily routine activities, and responsive interaction techniques.

Early Intervention Is Key

The earlier intervention begins, the greater the benefit — the developing brain is most responsive to targeted stimulation in the first 3 years of life. At ROMMER, even when an underlying diagnosis is not yet established, early developmental therapy is initiated and adjusted as the child's profile becomes clearer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child has a developmental delay?+

If your child is consistently missing milestones — not sitting, walking, or talking at expected ages — a developmental assessment is the right next step. At ROMMER, our paediatric rehabilitation team conducts comprehensive evaluations covering motor, cognitive, language, and social domains to provide a clear picture and an early intervention plan.

Does developmental delay mean my child will have lifelong disability?+

Not necessarily. Many children with early developmental delay, particularly when identified and treated early, catch up significantly or fully. The extent of long-term impact depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the delay, and how early and consistently intervention is provided.

Can therapy help children with Down syndrome?+

Yes, significantly. Children with Down syndrome benefit greatly from early physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Early intervention improves muscle tone, motor skills, language, and self-care abilities, supporting greater independence and participation in school and community.

How often should my child attend therapy?+

This depends on the child's age, the severity of delay, and the therapy goals. At ROMMER, programmes are typically intensive in early years (3–5 sessions per week) and adjusted as the child progresses. Home programmes between sessions are equally important.

Would You Like to Book an Appointment?

Our specialist team will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.