Developmental Regression in Kids
What is Developmental Regression, and when should you be concerned?
It can be confusing and worrying for parents to see their toddlers or preschoolers taking steps backward in development. Imagine that your child, who used to walk confidently, suddenly starts crawling. Your once toilet-trained preschooler may start having accidents. Parents may wonder what is happening or if they should be concerned. This blog will explore developmental regression, its causes, and the importance of seeking professional help. We will also examine the different factors that may be contributing to the regression and how you can support your child.
What is Developmental Regression?
The term developmental regression is used to describe a situation in which a child loses previously learned skills or returns to old behaviours or milestones. This can occur in many developmental domains, including speech, physical skills and social behaviour, as well as the mastery of basic functions such as using the toilet, sleeping through the night, etc. Parents can become confused by regression since they expect their children to move through developmental stages with no setbacks.
The signs of developmental regression can be different: a potty-trained child may start to have accidents, or a toddler who has just learned how to walk might suddenly start crawling. Parents who were not expecting these changes can become disoriented by such setbacks. Parents often wonder what went wrong. What should I be concerned about?
Why does developmental regression occur?
1. Progress in another area
Your child may be learning a new skill. This is called progress regression. If a child reaches a new developmental milestone, they may temporarily halt progress in other areas while they concentrate on the new skill.
Let’s say, for example, that your child just started to walk. Since walking takes a lot of concentration and energy, it’s not uncommon for children to stop talking while they are learning. If your child was recently toilet trained, you may notice that they are having sleep problems or showing signs of nighttime urination. This is not a sign of a serious problem but rather reflects the child’s developmental stage. The brain of your child is constantly absorbing new skills and information, which may lead to temporary setbacks.
It is important to note that such regressions tend to be brief. Once your child is comfortable with their new skills and gains confidence, he or she will be able to regain his/her previous abilities.
2. Stress or Life Changes
Stress or major changes in a child’s life can also trigger developmental regression. Children are particularly sensitive to changes in routine or environment. Your child may return to old behaviours if you have recently moved into a new home, changed daycares, or welcomed a new family member.
A child who had previously stopped sucking his thumb may start again when he is under stress or a change occurs. A toddler that was sleeping independently at night may start to wake up and require extra reassurance. A potty-trained child may also regress and start having accidents. This is especially true if the child has been experiencing anxiety due to a recent event, such as starting school or the arrival of a new sibling.
These regressions are temporary, and they will disappear once your child adjusts to the new routine or environment.
3. Fear or Anxiety
Anxiety can also cause regression in development among young children. When children feel anxious or overwhelmed, they may revert to the behaviours they used to feel safe. Your child may display signs of regression if they become afraid of something, whether it is a new experience like starting school or a specific fear such as being afraid of darkness. A potty-trained child may suddenly wet their pants if he or she is anxious about going to preschool or worried about being away from you. Children may also start talking in baby talk or become more clingy when they feel anxious. Once their anxieties or fears are dealt with and they feel more comfortable in the situation, they may return to their former level of development.
4. Undiagnosed Illness or Medical Issues
Sometimes, regressions in the development of a child can be linked to underlying medical issues that have not yet been identified. Sleep disorders, vision or hearing impairments, and developmental delays are all conditions or illnesses that can impact a child’s development. If a child’s behaviour changes without any obvious emotional or environmental triggers, it is important to consult with a pediatrician to rule out medical reasons.
A pediatrician can help identify any health problems if a child shows significant regression and it doesn’t appear to be due to anxiety or a change in the routine. They may refer your child to a specialist for further evaluation, such as a developmental pediatrician or speech therapist.
What to Look Out for: Warning Signs that Require Professional Care
There are some situations in which a mild, temporary regression can be concerning. You should seek professional assistance if you see that your child’s developmental regression is persistent or accompanied by other troubling signs. These red flags may indicate your child’s need for further attention.
1. Loss or Regression of Skills
If your child’s regression does not improve with time, or if they lose previously learned skills without recovering them, this could be a sign of something more serious. Children build on their previous achievements to improve their development. If your child’s development is stalled or they seem to lose skills and don’t regain those skills, it could be a sign of underlying issues.
2. Limited or Delayed Speech and Language Skills
The development of speech and language is an important milestone for children. It is important to be concerned if your child is unable to speak in complete sentences by the age of 4 or 5. Speech and language problems can be related to developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, hearing impairments or other speech issues. Consult a pediatrician if you notice that your child is having difficulty with their speech and language skills or if they have a sudden regression.
3. Social withdrawal and lack of engagement
Early childhood development also includes social development. This could indicate a more serious issue if your child begins to withdraw from social interaction and shows less interest in playing with family or friends. A sudden withdrawal from social interactions or a lack of interest in playing with family members or peers may be a sign of emotional or developmental struggles. This behaviour should be observed in conjunction with other symptoms, such as aggression or difficulty communicating.
4. Sleep Disturbances
Anxiety, fear or stress can cause sleep issues, such as trouble falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night or night terrors. If sleep disturbances continue or worsen over time, this may be a sign of a more serious problem. Sleep disorders can be an indication of medical conditions like sleep apnea and other disorders. It’s therefore important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
5. Trouble Following instructions
Children usually start to follow simple instructions around the age of three or four. It could be a sign of a developmental problem or another concern if your child struggles to complete simple tasks or follow instructions. If the behaviour persists or becomes more common, you should consult a developmental specialist or pediatrician.
6. Challenging or Aggressive Behavior
Although temper tantrums and defiant behaviours are normal in toddlers, they can become problematic if the child exhibits frequent or intense aggressive behaviour that is difficult for parents to control. A child’s aggressive behaviour could be an indication of emotional regulation problems or developmental issues. It’s important to consult a professional if your child’s behaviour becomes problematic or does not improve.
7. Daytime wetting or soiling beyond age 5
It may be an indication of anxiety or medical issues if a previously potty-trained child starts to wet themselves or soil themselves during the day after age 5. Even though night accidents are normal up to a certain point, a child’s daytime wetting after the age of five should be evaluated by a doctor to determine if there is an underlying issue.
8. Lack of Interest in Academic Activities
When children reach the age of preschool, they are usually interested in certain activities, such as writing or recognising letters and numbers. It may be a sign of a developmental problem if your child is not interested in these activities or cannot perform academic tasks that are age-appropriate. This could be a sign of a learning disorder, attention deficit disorder, or another developmental concern.
How to support your child through developmental regression
It’s crucial to remain calm and patient if your child is showing signs of regression. While it’s normal to feel anxious or frustrated, understanding that mild regressions are often temporary will help you respond with empathy. You can help your child through this difficult phase by following these steps:
1. Reassurance and patience
Reassurance and patience are two of the most important things that you can do. When your child appears to be regressing, it can be easy to get upset or anxious, especially when other children of the same age appear to be making progress. It’s important to keep in mind that each child develops at his or her own pace,e and most regressions will be temporary. Love and patience will help your child feel more secure during the process of regression.
2. Identify Possible Causes
If you suspect the regression could be due to stress or anxiety, identify what may be triggering emotions in your child. Has your family undergone any major changes? Are your child’s fears and anxieties something that needs to be addressed by you? You can help your child to cope with the regression once you have identified the cause.
3. Create an Environment that is Stable and Predictable
A stable and predictable environment is a great way to support your child through a period when they are experiencing regression. Children can feel more comfortable and secure with a consistent daily routine and regular sleep schedules. Consistency can help children to feel in control and reduce anxiety.
4. Take Professional Help if Needed
Consult a pediatrician if your child’s regressive behaviour is severe or persistent or if there are concerns about the development of your child. You can have them rule out any medical problem, and they may refer you to a specialist, such as an occupational therapist or psychologist. Early intervention is crucial to address any developmental concerns and ensure your child gets the support they require.
Conclusion
Many toddlers and young children experience developmental regression. It can be upsetting for parents to see their child take a step backward. However, this is a part of normal development that will resolve itself with time. If the regression is severe or prolonged, and if it is accompanied by other worrying signs, you should seek professional advice to ensure that your child gets the support they need. Always be patient and observant, and trust your instincts to ensure your child’s wellbeing. Your child can navigate this phase with ease and success if you provide the support and understanding they need.
