Could it be a Developmental Delay?
West Michigan is teeming with medical professionals who are ready to support you and your kid. They are here for you when things are going well and especially when they’re not.
So who can you call when your gut tells you something is off? You’re not sure what it is, exactly, but your child has missed a few key milestones.
Maybe your kid is behind on walking, talking, or something else, and you wonder – is this developmental delay or possibly a disability emerging? The unknown, the questioning, the wondering, and the work to uncover what is going on can be very overwhelming.
When you’re in that boat, you call one of the professionals in this guide.
That’s what I did when my son was diagnosed with autism at age seven.
At first I didn’t know where to start.
But once the shock of the diagnosis wore off, the first thing I did was track down local resources and community support groups for parents of children with disabilities.
Hopefully this guide will also help you find the resources and support you need as you navigate this time.
in this article
Featured Partners
These local therapists and resource centers are dedicated to helping children with developmental delays or disabilities.
Caledonia
Karin's Horse Connection at Legacy Stables
8001 Patterson Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
Everyone - all ages, physical, mental, and social (dis)abilities - are welcome at Karin’s Horse Connection!
Our experienced and certified staff works with 25 well trained, happy horses/ponies to meet a variety of needs. No matter if you want to nurture your mental health, build muscle and balance, healthy confidence, or to raise your quality of life, we can pick YOU up where YOU are individually.
In addition to traditional saddles, we use unique equipment which offers more security through big handles and a wider range of motion for the rider. You can also safely experience the different movements of the horse (slower/faster).
Horses are beneficial for your health and FUN!
Our goal is to connect you to the healing power of horses and bring a smile to your face.
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of man.” -Winston Churchill
Our experienced and certified staff works with 25 well trained, happy horses/ponies to meet a variety of needs. No matter if you want to nurture your mental health, build muscle and balance, healthy confidence, or to raise your quality of life, we can pick YOU up where YOU are individually.
In addition to traditional saddles, we use unique equipment which offers more security through big handles and a wider range of motion for the rider. You can also safely experience the different movements of the horse (slower/faster).
Horses are beneficial for your health and FUN!
Our goal is to connect you to the healing power of horses and bring a smile to your face.
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of man.” -Winston Churchill
“Karin’s Horses have been a life-enhancing experience for my nephew over the last 13 years. Through riding/vaulting he has improved strength, confidence, balance, self-worth, and quality of life.” -Pat
Grand Rapids - SE
The ADHD Center Of West Michigan
2025 East Beltline Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
The ADHD Center of West Michigan is committed to providing comprehensive support for individuals and families impacted by ADHD.
Our professionals offer a range of services, including
• thorough assessments
• detailed reports to guide treatment
• ADHD coaching for emotional regulation and organization
• parent coaching for practical strategies
• academic coaching for goal-setting and self-advocacy
• speech-language pathology to address communication and social skills
We are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Our team will guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the support and resources you need to thrive.
Our professionals offer a range of services, including
• thorough assessments
• detailed reports to guide treatment
• ADHD coaching for emotional regulation and organization
• parent coaching for practical strategies
• academic coaching for goal-setting and self-advocacy
• speech-language pathology to address communication and social skills
We are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Our team will guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the support and resources you need to thrive.
Grand Rapids - SE
Duncan Lake Speech Therapy, LLC
2450 44th St. SE, Suite 201, Kentwood, MI 49512
Duncan Lake Speech Therapy, LLC is a small, private speech-language pathology clinic based in Grand Rapids.
Our goal is to provide client-centered, collaborative services, and to live into the values of representation, diversity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness.
Our services include treatment for articulation/phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, expressive/receptive language disorders, stuttering, early language delays, orofacial myofuncational disorders, AAC, and speech disorders related ASD, Down Syndrome, ADHD, and Cerebral Palsy.
We also offer gender-affirming voice modification for folks of all ages.
Contact us today for more information about how we can serve you and your family.
Our goal is to provide client-centered, collaborative services, and to live into the values of representation, diversity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness.
Our services include treatment for articulation/phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, expressive/receptive language disorders, stuttering, early language delays, orofacial myofuncational disorders, AAC, and speech disorders related ASD, Down Syndrome, ADHD, and Cerebral Palsy.
We also offer gender-affirming voice modification for folks of all ages.
Contact us today for more information about how we can serve you and your family.
"Always kind, patient, and flexible if need be for a sudden change in my kids schedule!! Always on top of it and willing to work with you as the parent to make sure your kid succeeds!"
Grandville
Focus Clinic
4050 Del Mar Dr SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Focus Clinic provides compassionate, comprehensive care for children with ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavior challenges.
We offer detailed medical evaluations, state-of-the-art neuropsychological testing, and personalized treatment plans all under one roof.
Our approach integrates advanced technology like:
• qEEG assessments
• neurofeedback
• genetic testing
• medication management
• holistic support, including nutritional guidance and coaching
We believe in recognizing each child’s unique strengths and helping them thrive in school and life.
Focus Clinic accepts most commercial insurance plans and offers a patient assistance program for cash and Medicaid patients.
Let us help your child reach their full potential with our faith-based transformative approach.
We offer detailed medical evaluations, state-of-the-art neuropsychological testing, and personalized treatment plans all under one roof.
Our approach integrates advanced technology like:
• qEEG assessments
• neurofeedback
• genetic testing
• medication management
• holistic support, including nutritional guidance and coaching
We believe in recognizing each child’s unique strengths and helping them thrive in school and life.
Focus Clinic accepts most commercial insurance plans and offers a patient assistance program for cash and Medicaid patients.
Let us help your child reach their full potential with our faith-based transformative approach.
"An absolutely exceptional clinic! The entire visit was phenomenal, from the time we entered the office to the time we left. We will be recommending Focus Clinic to everyone!"
"We had a fantastic experience with our child's ADHD testing. Without a doubt in my mind, this is absolutely the place to go~highly recommend!"
"We had a fantastic experience with our child's ADHD testing. Without a doubt in my mind, this is absolutely the place to go~highly recommend!"
Grand Rapids - SE
Acorn Health ABA Therapy
42 44th Street SW, Grandville, MI 49418
1000 E. Paris SE, Suite 160, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Acorn Health is an accredited national provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), starting as young as 18 months old.
We specialize in early intervention for children under six and offer focused after-school programs.
Services are available in-center, at home, or in-school, depending on your needs.
Our individualized treatment plans focus on your child's specific needs and strengths, with family training to support success at home.
We accept most major insurances and provide financial guidance through our client experience team.
We specialize in early intervention for children under six and offer focused after-school programs.
Services are available in-center, at home, or in-school, depending on your needs.
Our individualized treatment plans focus on your child's specific needs and strengths, with family training to support success at home.
We accept most major insurances and provide financial guidance through our client experience team.
"My daughter's been going to Acorn for almost a year. She's picked up on a lot of new words, responds to her name now, and has learned new skills!" -Emily/Michigan
West Michigan
Family Tree Therapies
2251 East Paris Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
570 East Division NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Family Tree Therapies is a private speech and occupational therapy clinic that has been providing child and family centered therapies in West Michigan for over fifteen years.
We partner with BCBS, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna and Cofinity.
Our unique approach combines evidenced-based practices within the context of relationships, regulation and fun.
We identify underlying challenges, help families and clients understand their impact and empower them with strategies to reach their greatest potential.
We work together as a team to understand your child’s sensory system and communication skills.
We partner with BCBS, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna and Cofinity.
Our unique approach combines evidenced-based practices within the context of relationships, regulation and fun.
We identify underlying challenges, help families and clients understand their impact and empower them with strategies to reach their greatest potential.
We work together as a team to understand your child’s sensory system and communication skills.
My kids love going to therapy and have tremendously developed and improved because of their work with their therapists. I wish I knew how to put into words how grateful we are.
My kids love going to therapy and have tremendously developed and improved because of their work with their therapists. I wish I knew how to put into words how grateful we are.
Lakeshore
Blue Skies Therapies
Blue Skies Therapies provides mobile speech and occupational therapy for children within the Greater Grand Rapids Area & along the lakeshore.
We make therapy convenient and accessible by serving families in-home, in-daycare and via telehealth.
We pride ourselves in providing compassionate child-centered care, individualized to each child’s specific needs.
Blue Skies Therapies puts an emphasis on empowering children to take control of their own personal journeys. By facilitating this intrinsic motivation, our clients are proud of and celebrate their accomplishments, both big & small . . . and, of course, we will be their biggest cheerleaders along the way!
We make therapy convenient and accessible by serving families in-home, in-daycare and via telehealth.
We pride ourselves in providing compassionate child-centered care, individualized to each child’s specific needs.
Blue Skies Therapies puts an emphasis on empowering children to take control of their own personal journeys. By facilitating this intrinsic motivation, our clients are proud of and celebrate their accomplishments, both big & small . . . and, of course, we will be their biggest cheerleaders along the way!
“As a parent who was incredibly anxious, Blue Skies was a beacon of light and love for our family. The impact they made on our now 9-year-old remains evident today.”
Cascade
Leadlight Counseling
5360 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
217 East 24th Street, Holland, MI 49423
Leadlight Counseling is here to support the entire family!
Between both of our offices, we have clinicians who specialize in ages birth through adulthood, as well as families and couples.
Some of the specialties our clinicians have are:
• ADHD
• trauma
• grief
• domestic violence
• foster care/adoption
• depression
• self-harm
• anxiety
• family conflict/divorce
• eating issues/ARFID
• OCD
• infant mental health
• sleep issues
• LGBTQIA+ support
• suicidal ideation
• bullying/school-related issues
• social skills development
• emotional dysregulation/big feelings
• ASD
• abuse
• plus more
We are truly experts in our field and are here to come alongside you, your child, and family to provide the support and care you need.
Between both of our offices, we have clinicians who specialize in ages birth through adulthood, as well as families and couples.
Some of the specialties our clinicians have are:
• ADHD
• trauma
• grief
• domestic violence
• foster care/adoption
• depression
• self-harm
• anxiety
• family conflict/divorce
• eating issues/ARFID
• OCD
• infant mental health
• sleep issues
• LGBTQIA+ support
• suicidal ideation
• bullying/school-related issues
• social skills development
• emotional dysregulation/big feelings
• ASD
• abuse
• plus more
We are truly experts in our field and are here to come alongside you, your child, and family to provide the support and care you need.
"The team at Leadlight is an amazing group of humans who do good work with those they are invited to journey with."
Ada
Paper Plane Therapies
4670 Fulton St E Suite 201, Ada, MI 49301
At Paper Plane Therapies, we understand that meaningful relationships are key to a child's development.
Our goal is to help nurture creative, kind, and confident children by addressing barriers through relationship-based, child-centered therapies.
Our Occupational Therapists specialize in addressing:
• sensory processing
• attention
• emotional regulation
• gross & fine motor skills
• oral and visual-motor skills
Our Speech-Language Pathologists focus on helping children:
• speak more clearly
• use words and/or AAC devices to communicate
• expand language
• follow directions
• interact with peers
• enjoy a variety of foods safely
• correct Myofunctional Disorders
Discover how your family can soar with Paper Plane Therapies!
Our goal is to help nurture creative, kind, and confident children by addressing barriers through relationship-based, child-centered therapies.
Our Occupational Therapists specialize in addressing:
• sensory processing
• attention
• emotional regulation
• gross & fine motor skills
• oral and visual-motor skills
Our Speech-Language Pathologists focus on helping children:
• speak more clearly
• use words and/or AAC devices to communicate
• expand language
• follow directions
• interact with peers
• enjoy a variety of foods safely
• correct Myofunctional Disorders
Discover how your family can soar with Paper Plane Therapies!
“Paper Plane has blessed our entire family. The therapists have helped us navigate an autism diagnosis, implement play-based strategies that equip my son with the tools needed to thrive.”
Grand Rapids - NE
Wow Vision Therapy
3152 Peregrine Dr NE Suite c205, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
At Wow Vision Therapy we treat children with delays in their eye coordination and visual processing that cause problems in reading, handwriting, attention/concentration, and lazy eye conditions.
Each vision therapy session is one-on-one (therapist-to-patient), conducted under doctor supervision.
During treatment, our doctors and therapists apply state-of-the-art technology and procedures, making treatment fun and productive, resulting in helping the child to reach their full potential.
Each vision therapy session is one-on-one (therapist-to-patient), conducted under doctor supervision.
During treatment, our doctors and therapists apply state-of-the-art technology and procedures, making treatment fun and productive, resulting in helping the child to reach their full potential.
“Now that Sam has gone through vision therapy his ADD symptoms are pretty much gone. He can sit still when he reads now and his behavior has completely turned around!”
Grand Rapids - NE
BRAINS
3292 North Evergreen Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
2900 East Beltline Avenue NE, Suite F, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
At BRAINS, we strive to change lives by identifying each individual's unique strengths and potential for growth and incorporating these traits into attainable goals.
BRAINS is an assessment and treatment center offering a variety of services to help children and families navigate the journey to better mental and physical health.
Our team of professionals offer expertise in psychological and neuropsychological assessments, counseling, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis.
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive and customized treatment plan.
BRAINS is an assessment and treatment center offering a variety of services to help children and families navigate the journey to better mental and physical health.
Our team of professionals offer expertise in psychological and neuropsychological assessments, counseling, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis.
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive and customized treatment plan.
Grand Rapids - NE
Building Blocks Therapy Services
2922 Fuller Ave NE, Suite 107, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Building Blocks Therapy Services mission is to provide professional speech, language and feeding services from infancy through adulthood for a variety of disorders.
We are dedicated to offering the highest quality, research based treatment plans for speech, language and feeding that are individualized to each client.
Every therapist at Building Blocks is passionate about providing knowledge and skills that will enhance the daily lives of the clients and families.
We are dedicated to offering the highest quality, research based treatment plans for speech, language and feeding that are individualized to each client.
Every therapist at Building Blocks is passionate about providing knowledge and skills that will enhance the daily lives of the clients and families.
Rockford
Family Nest ABA Therapy
Family Nest ABA Therapy is a local practice providing in-home ABA therapy, speech, and OT services.
We foster community through play, social, and parent groups, striving to be a key part of your family’s support system.
Serving Kent, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Ionia counties, our mission is to create a lasting, positive impact on the families we serve.
Offering personalized support to cater to the unique needs of your family’s nest.
We foster community through play, social, and parent groups, striving to be a key part of your family’s support system.
Serving Kent, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Ionia counties, our mission is to create a lasting, positive impact on the families we serve.
Offering personalized support to cater to the unique needs of your family’s nest.
Cascade
616 Counseling
550 Cascade West Parkway SE, 616 Counseling, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
Join us on a journey to healing!
Our licensed counselors are here to help your child tackle life’s challenges with compassion and respect.
With an art & play therapy room and therapy dogs on staff, we offer a unique, safe space for kids to grow.
Empower your child— reach out.
Our licensed counselors are here to help your child tackle life’s challenges with compassion and respect.
With an art & play therapy room and therapy dogs on staff, we offer a unique, safe space for kids to grow.
Empower your child— reach out.
Ada
Thriving Minds
4690 Fulton St E, Ada, Michigan 49301
Thriving Minds provides evidence-based services addressing concerns like:
• Anxiety/mood disorders
• School refusal
• Selective mutism
• ADHD
• Disruptive behavior
• Sleep difficulties
Our expert team offers individualized therapy, psychoeducational evaluations, and parent coaching using proven Behavioral/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy models.
Let us support your child’s unique needs and help your family thrive!
• Anxiety/mood disorders
• School refusal
• Selective mutism
• ADHD
• Disruptive behavior
• Sleep difficulties
Our expert team offers individualized therapy, psychoeducational evaluations, and parent coaching using proven Behavioral/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy models.
Let us support your child’s unique needs and help your family thrive!
Mood Disorders, Anxiety & Depression
Mental health encompasses a wide range of conditions.
Mental health encompasses a wide range of conditions. The most common are anxiety and depression, but they are also many other mood disorders out there, such as bipolar disorder or seasonal affective disorder.
Mental health issues can affect any child at any age.
They can be hard to pinpoint – after all, growing up is all about learning to handle your emotions and all children experience emotional extremes. You might be wondering, could these sudden outbursts be normal, or a sign of something else going on?
If you’re wondering, “does my kid need counseling?” take notes of what you’re seeing and ask your pediatrician. And once you’re going down this road, learn how using a child therapist works so you’re ready if you get that referral.
ADHD
ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood.
And contrary to popular belief, you don’t outgrow ADHD. It lasts into adulthood.
Kids with ADHD often have trouble focusing, are easily distracted and struggle with organization. Many of these children are also impulsive.
Even though it’s common, living with ADHD is a struggle. It’s hard for kids (and adults!) to sit still and focus and they often feel misunderstood because they don’t operate in the world like society expects.
If you suspect your child has ADHD, these local pros offer ADHD testing and can connect you with therapists if your child has ADHD.
Often, ADHD is inherited, which means that you might also have it. Don’t overlook the signs that you might have ADHD as an adult. Because there is help for you, too!
Language and Speech Delays
Language and speech delays cover both struggles with communicating and/or understanding language.
Does your child have no issue speaking, but do they don’t seem to understand instructions you give them? Perhaps they know what you’re saying, but struggle to form words to respond.
These delays can have physical causes like hearing issues, a cleft palate or a tongue tie. Other times, the delays stem from neurological delays or disabilities.
Kids with these delays are easily frustrated and can seem very irritable. But it’s only because they want to communicate and can’t!
Connecting your kid with a speech therapist is imperative to helping a child with a speech or language delay, and these specialists work wonders.
Cognitive Delays
Cognitive delays describe children who are behind their peers in learning and solving problems.
Does your child take longer to grasp concepts that other kids their age have mastered? Do they not seem to have an awareness appropriate for their age or lack curiosity?
These delays (which can sometimes become lifelong, and therefore disabilities) could be genetic or caused by illness or injury.
Getting help for kids with cognitive delays greatly enhances their chances at success – both at school and in life.
Many professionals can help kids with these delays. You might be referred to a speech therapist, behavior therapist, physical therapist or occupational therapist.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological developmental disability.
People with ASD often struggle with social cues and interaction and become obsessive with repetitive behaviors or interests. They usually learn and move differently than other children.
It used to be that kids with neurological disorders were often criticized by society – both at home and at school. Parents would be frustrated with their children and their children had no clue why they were misunderstood.
Nowadays we understand that kids with neurological disorders just navigate the world differently. Parents now have resources available to both help them understand their neurodivergent kid and for the child to understand how their brain works.
This comprehensive list of autism services helps kids and families in West Michigan thrive.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a disability that prevents children (and adults) from understanding written words and processing sounds. They can even struggle with spoken words.
Because it drastically affects academic performance, dyslexia is considered a learning disability.
Being unable to process written instruction makes it increasingly difficult to keep up in class, even if they have the cognition to learn.
If your child struggles to read, ask if their school can test them for dyslexia. Schools often have reading specialists available or other resources to help these kids.
Depending on the severity of the diagnosis, speech or language therapists could also be helpful.
Motor Delays
Motor delays happen when children are behind their peers in either gross motor or fine motor skills.
Motor delays happen when children are behind their peers in either gross motor or fine motor skills.
They might struggle to jump on two feet, hold and use a crayon, or brush their teeth.
Pediatricians regularly screen patients for these delays, and early intervention can really help.
Children with motor delays benefit from occupational therapists and/or sensory-processing therapy.
FAQs
What is a Developmental Delay?
A developmental delay occurs when a child does not reach the same developmental milestones as their peers.
Delays can be when a child’s development slows, stops, or even reverses.
These milestones are based on what a majority of children reach by a certain age and include cognitive, speech, motor (gross and fine), social and emotional skills.
Examples are a child babbling by six months old, being able to jump on two feet by age two, and counting to ten by age five.
How are Developmental Delays Diagnosed?
Doctors and nurses screen children for developmental delays and will refer you to a specialist if a delay is suspected.
Screening helps them determine if a child is learning basic skills comparable to their peers. Sometimes children are just slightly slower to learn a skill and will accomplish the goal on their own.
At other times, children benefit from seeing a physical, mental or occupational therapist, or other specialist.
Expect doctors to ask you questions about your family’s medical history, do a physical exam on your child, and interact/play with them to assess their skills.
If a delay is suspected, you and your child will be referred to a specialist for assessment.
Assessment specialists include neuropsychologists or developmental behavior doctors.
Can Developmental Delays be Corrected?
Sometimes a child outgrows a developmental delay. Other times, extra help is needed.
The key is early intervention, which is shown to significantly reduce the impact these delays have.
And even if a child could overcome their delay on their own, many parents enjoy using therapists to help their child along. Common therapy and support options for developmental delays include:
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Behavioral Therapy
• Special Education
Are Developmental Delays and Developmental Disabilities the Same Thing?
No, they are not the same. A developmental delay is temporary, and a child usually outgrows or overcomes it through therapy.
Developmental disabilities are lifelong. These children also benefit from therapy, which will give them tools to be their best self.
What is a Developmental Disability?
Developmental disabilities impact a child’s day-to-day functioning in areas of physical, cognitive, speech or behavior skills.
These disabilities are present in infancy or childhood and are with a person for life.
Conditions that start in the teen years or adulthood are not considered developmental disabilities.
Is Autism a Developmental Disability?
Yes, autism falls under the umbrella of developmental disability.
What do I do if I Think My Child has a Developmental Disability?
Talk with your child’s doctor if you think there could be a problem.
You may be referred to a developmental-behavioral pediatrician or other pediatric specialists for further evaluation.
In the State of Michigan, Early On provides free evaluations and interventions for qualifying families for children ages birth to 3 years.
Parents of school-aged children can work with their local school district’s special education office to determine if a child has a disability. Children with developmental delays or disabilities could qualify for a 504 plan or IEP to help them with their education.
Hello Pediatric Therapy in Byron Center offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology. Their clinicians are top notch and a joy to work with.