Developmental Regression and the Brain

Children who experience developmental regression may appear to be developing as expected but then start losing certain skills. As children grow and develop, it is normal to experience some healthy developmental regression. Growth spurts are usually to blame for these temporary regressions. However, when do you know if a particular regression is normal or not?

Natural and Temporary Regression of the Brain

Temporary changes in behavior, language or fine motor ability are common during specific times until age 4 1/2. One example of a temporary regression in brain development is a regression in language skills around seventeen or eighteen months. Another is a child, who is potty trained, who slightly regresses into bed wetting around age 3 to 4. Other common regressions occur at the following ages:

• Five months
• Nine months
• Eleven months
• One year, five months (language)
• Two years, two months
• Three years, one month
• Three years, nine months
• Four years, five months

When Developmental Regression Points to a Brain Imbalance

From the very first day of life, there are milestones that a child should achieve at or near a certain age in behavior/emotional, motor, cognitive, and sensory development. Parents should be familiar with these milestones and know the progression of behaviors so they can spot a potential problem as early as possible. Chapter 6 of my book Reconnected Kids offers a very comprehensive and detailed guide to understanding normal developmental patterns.

In children who regress developmentally due to autism or other developmental disorder, the regressions are more dramatic and permanent. Perhaps a child was babbling and developing language skills normally and then at 17 months stops speaking completely or is reduced to grunts or loses the ability to communicate to others. If a child is missing milestones, there is likely a brain imbalance that needs to be addressed.

Developmental Regression and Brain Balance

Parents who have put their children through the Brain Balance Program report setbacks in behavior and academic skills during the course of the program. This is good news and an indication that the program is working. As the brain gets back in balance, good and bad behaviors are to be expected. The brain cannot “leapfrog” missed behaviors and must go through all the missed stages of development on its way to becoming a fully functional organ.  For more information about developmental regressions and the brain as well as changes associated with The Brain Balance Program, see page 121 of my book Disconnected Kids.

If you believe your child is regressing developmentally, take this free assessment and learn if your child has met their developmental milestones and receive proven exercises to help your child overcome developmental delays.