Dr Shereez Simmons, a dedicated paediatrician born in Bloemfontein, has a profound passion for child development. Graduating from the University of the Free State with an MBChB in 2007 and further qualifying as a Paediatrician in 2015, Dr Shereez specialises in Developmental Paediatrics. She earned her certificate in 2021. Her practice at Busamed Bram Fischer Private Hospital focuses on developmental delays, learning disabilities, behavioural problems, and particularly autism spectrum disorder. Her commitment is to ensure the best possible care for her young patients.
According to Dr Shereez, developmental milestones are key skills children are expected to achieve by certain ages. She emphasises that these milestones provide a framework to monitor a child’s growth in four main areas: gross motor development, fine motor development, speech and language development, and social and personal skills.
“Developmental milestones are like a checklist of skills children need to acquire at certain age ranges. For example, by four months, a baby should have head control. By nine months, they should sit unsupported. These milestones are crucial, especially in the first five years of life, which we call early childhood development,” says Dr Shereez.
She further notes that it’s important to recognise these milestones early and if a milestone isn’t attained at the right time, early intervention is crucial.
Dr Shereez explains that parents often worry about their child’s development, particularly with gross motor skills in the first two years and speech and language skills thereafter.
She points out that boys are often the subject of delayed intervention due to common reassurances that they will catch up. “If a child isn’t meeting key milestones, such as not sitting by nine months or not saying five words by 18 months, it’s important to seek professional advice,” she advises.
Dr Shereez stresses the importance of limiting screen time and encouraging active play. “Children need to play, both indoors and outdoors. Reading to your children also helps them learn new vocabulary and pronunciation. Parents should also engage in active play with their children and talk to them in simple, clear language.”
Comparing children can sometimes help identify developmental delays, but it can also cause unnecessary anxiety. “Each child develops at their own pace. However, if parents are concerned, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for guidance. Early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s development,” she reassures.
Dr Shereez is a valuable resource for parents navigating the complex world of child development, providing expert care and guidance to ensure every child reaches their full potential.
The fields of development and age limits
Gross motor development:
* Acquisition of tone and head control
* Primitive reflexes disappear
* Sitting
* Locomotor patterns
* Standing, walking, running
* Hopping, jumping, peddling
Limit ages:
Head control by 4 months, sitting unsupported by 9 months, standing independently by 12 months, and walking independently by 18 months.
Vision and fine motor development:
* Visual alertness, fixing and following
* Voluntary grasping, pincer, points
* Handles objects with both hands, transfers from hand to hand
* Writing, cutting, dressing
Limit ages:
Fixes and follows visually by 3 months, reaches for objects by 6 months, transfers objects by 9 months, and develops pincer grip by 12 months.
Hearing, speech, and language development:
* Sound recognition, vocalisation
* Babbling
* Single words, understands simple requests
* Joining words, phrases
* Simple and complex conversation
Limit ages:
Polysyllabic babble by 7 months, consonant babble by 10 months, saying words with meaning by 18 months, joining words by 2 years, 3-word sentences by 3 years, and fluent speech by 4 years.
Social interaction and personal skills:
* Smiling, socially responsive
* Separation anxiety
* Self-help skills, feeding, dressing, toileting
* Peer group relationships
* Symbolic play
* Social/communication behaviour
Limit ages:
Smile by 8 weeks, fear of strangers by 10 months, feeds self or with spoon by 18 months, symbolic play by 2-2.5 years, and interactive play by 3-3.5 years.
Text and photograph: JUSTINE FORTUIN
