0–5 years
Early childhood
The first five years are a time of rapid growth in how a child moves, communicates, plays and feels. Every child develops at their own pace. This page helps the adults around a young child notice how they are doing and know when to ask for a closer look.
Written for: Parents, caregivers and teachers. All age pathways
What someone might experience
These are common, not certain. Many people go through some of them and are fine.
- Developmental and communication concerns, including speech and language delay
- Autism and other neurodevelopmental differences
- Difficulty with behaviour and managing big emotions
- Sleep and feeding difficulties
- Anxiety and distress when separated from caregivers
- Effects of neglect, abuse or exposure to violence
Signs you might notice
A card to keep or share. These are signs to notice and talk about, not a diagnosis. Early childhood, 0–5 years.
- Loss of skills the child already had
- Little social communication or play
- Distress that does not settle over time
- Marked changes in sleep or feeding
- Extreme difficulty with transitions and change
- Developmental concerns noticed at home and at the anganwadi, crèche or school
- Difficulty retaining what was learned in early school activities
If several of these are present, or they are getting worse, speak to a doctor, counsellor or one of the services below. If someone may be in danger, call 112.
What shapes this in India
Not everything is about the person. Their surroundings matter a great deal.
- Nutrition and early childhood development are closely linked
- Caregiver stress and a parent's own mental health shape a child's world
- Poverty and insecure housing
- Limited access to early screening and intervention, especially outside cities
- Stigma around developmental differences can delay families from seeking help
- Harsh discipline and unsafe caregiving environments
What can help
- Responsive caregiving and parent coaching
- Regular developmental check-ups and timely referral
- Early intervention, including speech and occupational therapy where it is needed
- Safe, nurturing childcare
- Mental health support for caregivers
- Protection from violence and neglect
Important to know
Milestones vary from child to child. A sign is not a diagnosis. If a child loses skills they already had, arrange a developmental and medical assessment promptly.
SAATHI cannot diagnose. Faith, prayer and traditional healers are part of many families' lives, and can sit alongside care. If something is affecting daily life, please also see a doctor or counsellor.
If you're a parent, teacher or family member
- Play, talk and read together every day, in whichever language the family speaks at home.
- Note what you see, when it happens and how long it has been going on, so you can describe it clearly to a doctor or therapist.
- Look after your own wellbeing. A supported caregiver is one of the strongest protections a young child has.
- Ask the anganwadi worker, ASHA or paediatrician about developmental screening if something worries you.
Who to ask near you
You do not have to work this out alone. These are real services in India. Availability varies by district, so a call or a visit is the best way to check.
- Your anganwadi worker, who can see how a young child is growing and playing, and knows what the village or ward offers.
- Your ASHA, who can visit the home and help you reach the nearest health centre.
- A paediatrician, or the doctor at your PHC or CHC, for a developmental check.
- RBSK (Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram) and the District Early Intervention Centre at the district hospital, which screen young children and offer therapy. Ask for the nearest one.
Helplines, free in India
- 112Emergency Response Support System Police, fire and ambulance. Call if someone is in immediate danger.
- 14416Tele-MANAS Free national mental health support, 24 hours, in many Indian languages. Also 1-800-891-4416.
- 181Women Helpline Support and referral for women facing violence, 24 hours.
- 1098Childline For children in need of care and protection, or adults worried about a child.
- 14567Elderline National helpline for senior citizens.