Developmental Disabilities in Children

Often times the only way a developmental disability is diagnosed is because your child hasn’t met certain developmental milestones or has started to fall behind in school. Many parents can sense that something just isn’t right and decide the best approach is to schedule an appointment with their pediatrician.

A developmental disability can easily be diagnosed during your child’s routine wellness checkups. Remember, the moment your little one is born they will have to come in regularly for medical care, vaccinations and to make sure they are healthy and reaching certain milestones.

Developmental milestones include things like rolling over, smiling and their first steps. If your child hasn’t reached these milestones then your children’s doctor may recommend a series of tests to check for a developmental disorder. It is often through these routine visits that a pediatrician is able to quickly detect a developmental disability.

Common developmental disabilities in children include:

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • Fragile X syndrome
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Hearing loss
  • Learning disabilities
  • ADHD
  • Intellectual disabilities

There are many factors that could influence whether your child is at risk for a developmental disability. Everything from the mother’s behaviors and habits (E.g. smoking) during pregnancy to complications during pregnancy and environmental toxins can play a part. While most developmental disorders occur the moment a baby is born, certain factors such as an early childhood infection or injury could lead to a developmental disorder.

If your child has a developmental disorder it’s important that they have a pediatric team that will be able to provide them with the proper health care they need. Children with developmental disabilities can grow up to lead rich, full and happy lives. Of course, we also understand the trials and tribulations that come with having a developmental disability, but an expert pediatric team can provide your little one with the care they need as well as proper support. We can also recommend certain support or educational programs to help you and your child with this diagnosis. There are countless support systems and resources at your disposal.

If you suspect that your child might have a developmental disability, it is important that you schedule an appointment with a pediatrician as soon as possible.

Questions or Comments?

At Harvest Pediatrics, we encourage you to contact us whenever you have a concern or question related to your care.
You can reach us at:


Napa: (707) 252-1076
St. Helena: (707) 963-0171

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Closed daily between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM for lunch.

Napa Office

Monday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

St. Helena Office

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed