How Illness May Affect Early Childhood Development

Babies are born ready to learn new things and connect with the world around them. Many developmental milestones occur during infant, toddler, and preschool years. Developmental milestones include skills and behaviors in how children grow, act, learn, play, interact, move, and talk. 

Each child progresses at their own pace. But there is a typical age at which children reach certain milestones. 

Early childhood milestones

Serious illness and early childhood development

In some cases, having a serious illness can affect growth and development. Not every child with a serious illness will experience developmental delays. But it is a possibility. 

Having a serious illness can impact a young child's developmental milestones in a variety of ways: 

• A disease or its treatment can affect a child’s physical or cognitive function.  
• Side effects such as pain, fatigue, and nausea can make it hard for children to engage in normal activities.
• During treatment, children might miss out on social interactions like play dates, day care, and preschool.
• The stress of illness can cause children to have delays or lose previously learned skills.  
• Being in the hospital can limit a child’s ability to explore their environment or do things independently. 

How to help your child reach their milestones

Be aware of the skills that are typical for your child’s age

Your child will go through tremendous growth in all areas during the first 3 years of life. These early years are the foundation for future learning and development. 

By age 3, children learn important skills. Examples include: 

• Physical: reaching, rolling, crawling, walk, and climbing
• Cognitive: thinking, learning, pretending, and problem solving
• Communication: listening, understanding, responding, and talking
• Social and emotional: playing, exploring, and interacting
• Self-care: feeding and dressing

Provide a stimulating and nurturing environment

Family interactions with your child are powerful. Young children learn and develop best in loving, nurturing relationships. Work with your care team to identify activities you can do with your child to help them develop skills and reach milestones. Set appropriate limits to help children feel safe and secure. 

Get help early

Let your health care provider know if you have concerns about your child’s development. 

Your child’s care team can help answer questions. When not addressed, small problems can sometimes become larger issues. Many children’s hospitals offer services that help with development. Sometimes these address specific delays or skills. Other times, they focus on prevention, well-being, and helping your child gain new skills.

Hospital services that could support child development include:

• Speech-language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Psychology
• Child life
• Social work services
• Music therapy
• Art therapy

Your child may qualify for services provided by the government. In the United States, early intervention services help eligible infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. These publicly funded programs provide services for free or low cost.

Find more information

• CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC
• Find your state or territory’s early intervention program | CDC
• ZERO TO THREE Early: Early Connections Last a Lifetime
• Center on the Developing Child | Harvard University  

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