Developmental Issues and Taking Child to a Neurologist...

My daughter will be 12 months in two weeks and she JUST started to army crawl. However, she doesn't walk, she doesn't use stationary objects to lift herself up, and she doesn't get from lying to sitting. Her pediatrician gave her a referral to be evaluated by a physical therapist. The PT after seeing my daughter concluded that her abdominal muscles were weak and recommended PT for a few months, 1-2 times per week to help develop those muscles. I know it's hard, but I think you should definitely see those specialists and see what they have to say before you start worrying. At least if there's something wrong, it will be caught early and they can be dealt with ASAP.

Don't worry. It's so easy to worry, freak out, and feel stressed about it but it's not going to help anything. So just try your hardest to not think about it until the appointment and getting some answers from the docs. And whatever you do, don't google!

Honestly, it's probably nothing major or permanent. She's probably just delayed and, with some therapy, will catch up to her peers.

There are lots of kids who aren't mobile yet at 13 months and they are perfectly healthy children. Schedule the appointment as soon as you can just to put your mind at ease, but don't stress too much.

While ours was on the mark for gross and fine motor skills, he was a non stop dare devil who wouldn't sit still, and wasn't doing much by way of expressive language. We had an eval at 2 y.o. for our boy who was showing signs of possible speech delay. (possible because bilingual kids are sometimes slower to talk as they are mastering more than one code). The delay was confirmed, and free early intervention was scheduled. While he might have caught up on his own, we are really pleased for the progress and are happy to have tips from therapists with expertise. He's now on the mark, and beyond in both languages. Fringe benefits include an increase in his patience and a decrease in his frustration as he is better understood.

Go. There is no harm in getting an evaluation, and in possibly getting help if needed.

Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.

It's totally natural to worry a bit. But try to keep it under control until you have information. Since your doctor mentioned multiple milestones not being met, and not just walking/crawling, there may be an underlying issue. It could be muscle tone, it could be something else.

You're doing your job as a mom by trying to find out what's causing the delay and getting help for your daughter. I wish you the best!

My son didn't do a real crawl until 12 months (he did this silly inch worm crawl starting at around 11 months) and didn't walk until almost 16 months. I always felt he was "behind" in gross motor, yet on target or even advanced in fine motor. Our pediatrician was not worried about him not crawling or walking at his 12 month apointment...or at his 15 month apointment. (She checked his muscle tone and said he was just being cautious.) She told me that if it made me feel better to call our county and have an evaluation which is done right in your home. I was getting close to doing so, but two weeks shy of him turning 16 months he started walking and never stopped. (He literally took 30 steps on the first try.) He is now 3 and in my eyes incredible! He is non-stop running, talking and smart as a whip. :) Because your pediatrician is suggesting it, I would say go ahead and do it, but try to remember that ALL kids develop differently; however you don't want to be ignorant to a situation and not get the help that your daughter may possibly need. And remember too, being the parent- go with your guy feeling. I hope this helps. Good luck!

my daughter did not walk until she was 19 months old. We did have her evaluated by the neurologist who said she would probably be a little clutzy but nothing was wrong with her. We also had early intervention out to see her. Damn if she didn't walk across the room for the PT like a pro. Made me feel like Mom of the Year. Call your early intervention dept of your state now. It takes a while to get seen and you will be ahead of the game. Don't worry, lots of babies are slower than others. Do you have an older child that can work with her. Lots of babies will do things for a child that they won't do for us.

Are you leaving something out? Lots of babies don't crawl or walk at 13 months. Actually, up until 18 months is totally normal. What other milestones is she not hitting. Must be more to it. It that is really it, then I would not be concerned. What is your gut saying?

My daughter didn't walk until 21 months...my doctor told me to call ECI (Early Childhood Intervention), at around 20 months of age...we saw a PT, twice and they had her walking.

Cognitively she is fine just didn't want to walk when crawling worked just fine, thank you!

So go ahead and call..get an evaluation...it can only help!!

My dd had some motor issues and could only roll over one direction and limped when she walked etc. we got early intervention phycial therapy and it was wonderful.

We also had an MRI done the day after her second birthday, I can tell you more about that if you get to that point.

In our experience any of the Drs or PT that have worked with our girl have been amazing. they are very focused on the child and the family as a whole. you will be in good hands.

I do not having experience with this but just wanted to say, do as the doctor says & go for the evaluations. Early intervention is the way to go. Even if nothings wrong, your child will only benefit from the therapy and help.

And of course you are going to worry, that's just what we do...but *try* not to get too worked up until you know what's actually happening!

I guess I have to wonder why this hasn't come up before. Some of these milestones are a few months overdue. Has she missed earlier milestones? Is she talking? Other motor skills, eye contact, those sorts of things? It is a whole picture. I would say concerned, not worried, but I would make those appointments right away. Don't blow it off or slack off about it. If she is delayed, then intervention now can make a huge difference. For instance, if her delay is minor, then by kindergarten she can be caught up with other kids. Take this seriously and get right on it, but I think action, not worry, is what is called for.