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Physiotherapy for Children with Developmental Delay

Helping children with developmental delays move forward to reach motor milestones.
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Expert Paediatric Physio for Children with Developmental Delay

Supporting babies and children with developmental delays related to a wide range of causes

Every child with developmental delay changes at their own pace, and our therapy plans are carefully tailored to meet their individual strengths, challenges, and goals. We focus on helping children learn to move with confidence, whether that’s rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, or climbing. Children’s physiotherapy helps to build strength, improve balance, and encourage independence. Our therapy sessions include activities like early movement play, postural support, mobility training, and gross motor skill development, all delivered in a fun and engaging way. Physiotherapy can take place wherever your child feels most comfortable and motivated.

What are the signs of Developmental Delay?

Developmental Delay

What are the signs of developmental delay?

Every child develops at their own pace — but some signs may suggest it’s time to seek extra support.
Children with motor skill developmental delays may reach physical milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking later than expected. These delays can affect both gross motor skills, such as balance, coordination, and large muscle movements, as well as fine motor skills, which involve more precise tasks like grasping, drawing, or using utensils. Some children may appear floppy or stiff, fall frequently, or struggle with tasks like climbing stairs or running. Others may find it difficult to hold a cup, manage buttons, or control a crayon due to challenges with hand strength or coordination. Motor difficulties can impact confidence and participation in play, school, and everyday routines. At PaedsPhysio, we support children with delayed motor development through fun, goal-based children’s physiotherapy that helps them build strength, coordination, and independence at their own pace.
Communication and language developmental delays can affect how a child understands and uses language to interact with others. Some early signs may include not babbling or making sounds by around 12 months, not saying single words by 18 months, or not forming simple sentences by the age of 3. Children with speech and language delays might struggle to express their needs, follow instructions, or understand what others are saying. They may also find it difficult to pick up on social cues, take turns in conversation, or initiate interactions with peers. These challenges can impact a child’s confidence, social development, and participation in everyday activities like play or learning.
Cognitive developmental delays affect how a child learns, thinks, and understands the world around them, which can also impact how quickly they meet motor milestones. Children may show signs such as difficulty processing information, following directions, or understanding new concepts. They might struggle with problem-solving, logical thinking, or remembering things they’ve recently learned. Some children also find it hard to link actions with consequences, which can affect their ability to make safe or appropriate choices. These challenges can impact learning, play, and daily routines, and may become more noticeable as a child begins nursery or school.
Social and emotional development plays a vital role in how children build relationships, express themselves, and navigate their environment. Some children with developmental delay may find it difficult to understand social cues, start conversations, or join in with group play. They might struggle with turn-taking, sharing, or show little interest in playing with others. Changes in routine or unfamiliar situations can be especially challenging, often leading to frustration or withdrawal. Emotional regulation difficulties may also present as frequent or prolonged tantrums, trouble calming down, or difficulty expressing feelings in an age-appropriate way. These challenges can affect a child’s ability to connect with others, build friendships, and feel secure in different environments.
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How We Help – Babies and Children with Developmental Delay​

Physiotherapy for children with developmental delay is specific to the child’s difficulties and stage of development

At PaedsPhysio, we provide expert physiotherapy that supports each child to progress whilst building strength, confidence, and independence. We build child-centred physiotherapy programmes that are both fun and focused, designed to support your child’s unique development and abilities. We support parents to help their children to progress through advice, exercise and play strategies.

Our specialist PaedsPhysio service for developmental delay helps to:
  • Support motor milestone development – encouraging rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking through playful, movement-based physiotherapy sessions.
  • Improve strength and body awareness – using child-friendly exercises to build physical confidence and promote better balance and control.
  • Develop coordination and motor planning – helping children learn how to move safely, smoothly, and with greater ease during everyday tasks.
  • Enhance postural control and stability – focusing on head, trunk, and sitting balance to support more active and independent movement.
  • Increase engagement in play and learning – using movement and motor skill activities that help children participate more fully in home, nursery, and school life.
  • Encourage independence in daily activities – building the physical foundations children need to manage tasks like dressing, climbing, and playing.