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Understanding Developmental Delay
What is developmental delay?
Developmental delay is when a child hasn’t reached the skills (or “milestones”) expected for their age — in talking, moving, thinking, playing, or self-care. It can affect one area (such as a speech delay) or several areas at once (global developmental delay).
A delay doesn’t always have a single cause, and it doesn’t predict a child’s future. What matters most is starting support early, while a young child’s brain is most adaptable. Many children make wonderful progress with the right therapy.
Signs by age
Milestones to watch, by age
Every child develops at their own pace, and milestones are a guide, not a deadline. But if your child is clearly behind in one or more areas — or seems to lose skills they had — it’s worth checking in. These are common signs, not a diagnosis.
👶Under 12 months
- Not babbling or making sounds
- Little eye contact or smiling
- Not sitting with support by ~9 months
- Not responding to familiar sounds or voices
- Not reaching for or holding objects
🧒1–2 years
- Not walking by 18 months
- Few or no words by 18 months
- Not pointing or gesturing
- Not following simple instructions
- Not copying actions or sounds
🧑2–3 years
- Not putting two words together by age 2
- Speech very hard to understand
- Not playing pretend
- Difficulty with stairs, running or kicking
- Little interest in other children
🎒3–5 years
- Speech unclear to unfamiliar people
- Trouble with dressing or self-care
- Difficulty following 2-step instructions
- Struggles with crayons, scissors or buttons
- Not joining in play with peers
Milestones vary widely and one late skill is rarely a concern on its own. The clearest reasons to seek advice are losing skills, or being clearly behind across several areas. A GP, child health nurse or paediatrician can guide an assessment.
Getting started
When and how to seek support
You don’t need to “wait and see.” Start with your GP or child health nurse, who can arrange a developmental check or refer you to a paediatrician. Early support builds the strongest foundations — and it can begin straight away.
Under the NDIS early childhood approach, children under 9 with a developmental delay or developmental concerns can access support based on need, without waiting for a formal diagnosis.
How we help
How Daar supports children with developmental delay
Developmental delay is best supported by a coordinated team that targets the specific areas your child needs, and coaches families to practise skills every day.
Funding
Developmental delay and the NDIS
The NDIS early childhood approach is designed for exactly this — young children with developmental delay or concerns can access support without a diagnosis, and for eligible participants therapy is delivered at no out-of-pocket cost. If you’re starting out, our team can help you take the first steps.
Not sure where to start?
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll match your child with the right support — and our team will be in touch.
Find the right support →FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What counts as developmental delay?
A developmental delay is when a child is significantly behind the expected milestones for their age in one or more areas — such as speech, movement, thinking, social skills or self-care.
Will my child catch up?
Many children make excellent progress, especially with early support. Every child is different, and starting therapy early gives the best chance of closing gaps.
Do we need a diagnosis to get help?
No. Under the NDIS early childhood approach, children under 9 can access support based on developmental need, without a formal diagnosis.
Is developmental delay covered by the NDIS?
Yes — the early childhood approach specifically supports young children with developmental delay or concerns. For eligible participants, therapy is funded at no out-of-pocket cost.
What’s the difference between a delay and a disability?
A delay means a child is behind expected milestones and may catch up with support; some delays are linked to an underlying condition. An assessment helps clarify the cause and the right support.
Last reviewed 16 July 2026Reviewed by Daar’s clinical teamGeneral information — not a diagnosis or medical advice
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