Developmental regression

Developmental regression is when your child is going backwards in one or more areas of development. This occurs when your child loses the ability to do something that they could previously do.

Developmental regression may affect your child’s ability to:

• make facial expressions and sounds
• use fine motor skills (small hand and finger movements)
• move or walk

Developmental regression can be caused by:

• neurological conditions — affecting brain development and function
• developmental conditions — affecting learning and skill development
• genetic conditions — changes in genes
• brain injury
• poor nutrition (diet)

If your child is showing signs of developmental regression, it’s important to see your doctor or child health nurse. Early diagnosis and care for children with developmental regression can lead to better outcomes.

Read more about your baby’s growth and development and developmental milestones.

The signs of developmental regression vary, depending on a child’s age and level of development. Parents and carers are usually the first to notice that their child may be losing skills or going backwards.

It’s most common to notice signs of developmental regression when a child is aged between 18 months and 2 years. 

If your child is under 3 years of age, possible signs of developmental regression include loss of:

• the ability to say at least 3 meaningful words
• hand gestures or communication skills
• the ability to imitate (copying sounds or actions of someone else)
• gross motor skills, such as sitting or crawling

If your child is 3 to 11 years of age, possible signs of developmental regression include the loss of:

• fine motor skills, such as clenching their fist or holding objects
• the ability to walk
• the ability to talk
• social skills

If you are concerned about signs of developmental regression, it’s important to talk with your doctor or child health nurse.

There are many possible causes of developmental regression.

It may be caused by conditions such as:

• autism spectrum disorder
• learning disability
• epilepsy-related conditions
• Rett syndrome (a genetic condition)
• childhood dementia, however, this is very rare

Other factors that may increase your child’s chance of developmental regression include:

• premature birth (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
• low birth weight
• birth injury (injury to a baby during birth)
• vision or hearing problems
• coeliac disease (an autoimmune disease of the small bowel)
• rheumatoid arthritis (a condition that causes swollen joints)

If you are concerned about your child losing skills, see your doctor or child health nurse.

If your doctor or child health nurse thinks your child has developmental regression, they may refer you to a specialist. This could include a:

• paediatrician (a doctor who specialises in children’s health and development)
• neurologist (a doctor who specialises in brain and nervous system disorders)
• geneticist (a specialist in genetic conditions)
• psychiatrist (a doctor who specialises in mental health and behaviour)

Early diagnosis and care for developmental regression can lead to better outcomes for your child. Early diagnosis can help your child to:

• participate in social activities
• attend childcare or mainstream school
• build skills for everyday tasks, such as dressing and eating

To help diagnose developmental regression, your doctor will talk with you about:

• the type of skills your child has lost
• whether your child lost skills suddenly or gradually (over time)
• if your child’s skills have returned
• what your child can do now, compared to before

Your doctor may recommend further tests to help diagnose the cause of developmental regression. Further tests may include:

• blood tests, such as a thyroid function test
• genetic testing (using blood or saliva to analyse DNA)
• metabolic testing (a test of how your body processes energy)
• an electroencephalogram (a brain activity scan)

When you meet with your doctor or child health nurse, it can help to:

• take a photo or video of your child that shows your concerns
• bring any reports or records about your child’s development, such as school reports or reports from other health professionals
• bring a friend or family member with you to help answer questions
• ask questions, such as what support is available for you and your child

If you feel like your concerns are not being taken seriously, don’t be afraid to look for a new doctor.

If your child is diagnosed with developmental regression, support is available for both you and your child. The type of support and treatment offered depends on the cause.

Early childhood intervention

If your child has developmental regression, your doctor or child health nurse may recommend early childhood intervention. Early childhood intervention means getting professional support to help your child to continue developing.

Early childhood intervention may be provided by:

• the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), for eligible children
• state and territory health services, such as child development services
• licensed therapists, such as psychologists
• education providers, such as early childhood education centres and preschools
• community health centres

For eligible children, the NDIS can provide funding for:

• physiotherapy
• occupational therapy (support to help your child learn everyday skills)
• speech pathology (support to help your child with speech and communication)
• assistive equipment
• practical supports to help your child participate in daily activities
• transport support (help getting to and from appointments or activities)

Medicines for developmental regression

Sometimes, a doctor will prescribe medicines that treat the cause of developmental regression.

• Metabolic disorders — a special diet and dietary supplements may help support your child’s development.
• Genetic conditions — some medicines and supportive therapies can help slow the progression of genetic conditions.
• Epilepsy-related conditions — some medicines can help manage or reduce seizures caused by epilepsy. This can help reduce further developmental regression.

Support for you

Support is available for parents and carers. This may include:

• counselling or mental health support
• parent education programs
• support groups — this can help you connect with other families in a similar situation

Most parents expect their child to build skills over time and reach the usual milestones. It can be difficult to see your child lose skills. It’s normal to feel:

• stress
• anxiety
• sadness
• confusion

If your child has developmental regression, it can help to:

• talk with family, friends or professionals about the support you need
• contact support services to learn what help is available
• take time to care for your own health and wellbeing

Your doctor or child health nurse can guide you on ways to support your child’s development at home. It can help to:

• talk to your child from an early age — explain what you are doing in simple language
• respond to your child’s sounds and echo them back
• read with your child on a regular basis
• use songs and rhymes to introduce new words
• give your child new things to look at, touch and hold
• give your child time to practise new skills on their own
• let your child take part in everyday activities, even if they don’t do them perfectly

It’s important to talk with staff at your child’s childcare centre, preschool or school. Additional support is usually available for children with developmental regression or learning difficulties.

Visit the NDIS website for more information on:

• how the NDIS works
• developmental difficulties and the early childhood approach
• how to apply to the NDIS

Read more about developmental milestones on the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network website, including milestones for:

• toddlers 1 to 3 years of age
• preschoolers 3 to 5 years of age
• children 5 to 12 years of age

If your child has autism:

• Australian Autism Alliance offers more information on language and communication in children with autism
• Autism Awareness Australia offers support and resources for parents and carers of a child with autism

Read more about caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Read more about epilepsy-related conditions on the Epilepsy Foundation website.

Languages other than English

The Health Translations page offers information in multiple languages, including:

• early childhood intervention and support
• baby development from 7 to 8 months
• toddler development from 18 months to 2 years
• toddler development from 2 to 3 years
• preschool development from 3 to 4 years