By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — June 14, 2026
understanding developmental delays in young children
Developmental delays happen more often than most families realize, and catching them early is the single best thing you can do to improve how a child does long-term. When a toddler seems to lag behind other kids — not talking yet, struggling to walk steadily, or having trouble with social interaction — parents worry and wonder what to do.
Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion is a pediatric neurologist serving families across the Phoenix metro area. She works with toddlers and young children showing signs of developmental differences. Knowing what counts as a delay, what might cause it, and when to get specialized care can change your child's future.
what a developmental delay actually means
A developmental delay means a child isn't reaching expected milestones within the typical age range in one or more areas. Speech and language covers understanding and using words. Gross motor skills include sitting, walking, running, and climbing. Fine motor skills include grasping objects, using utensils, and drawing. Social and emotional development covers making eye contact and engaging with caregivers. Cognitive development covers problem-solving, memory, and attention.
A delay in one area is called an isolated delay. Difficulties across several areas may point to a global developmental delay. Don't let anyone wave either one off with "wait and see" if the signs are clearly there and sticking around.
warning signs in toddlers
speech and language red flags
Speech delay is the concern that brings most Phoenix families in for an evaluation. By 12 months, most kids use at least one meaningful word. By 18 months, they should have a vocabulary of around 10 words. By age 2, most combine two words, like "more juice" or "daddy go." If your toddler isn't hitting these marks, or had words and then lost them, bring those signs to a specialist.
motor development concerns
Most children take their first independent steps between 9 and 15 months, and by 18 months toddlers usually walk steadily. If your child isn't walking by 18 months, falls frequently and oddly, or shows real stiffness or floppiness in their limbs, a neurological evaluation can tell you whether there's an underlying cause. Motor delays sometimes trace back to brain or nervous system conditions that respond well to early treatment.
social and behavioral signs
Limited eye contact, no response to their name by 12 months, no pointing or gesturing, and trouble with simple back-and-forth play can all be early indicators of autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental conditions. These deserve quick attention. Don't wait to see if a child "grows out of it."
when to see a neurologist
Your child's pediatrician is usually the first stop, and they may refer you to a developmental pediatrician, speech therapist, or other specialist. Some situations call for a developmental delay toddler neurologist specifically:
- Your child has lost skills they used to have (developmental regression)
- There are concerns about abnormal movements, tremors, or episodes that may resemble pediatric seizures
- Your child has a family history of neurological or genetic conditions
- Delays show up across multiple developmental areas
- There are signs of muscle tone abnormalities or coordination problems
- Earlier evaluations haven't explained the delay
Dr. Tamara Zach MD is board-certified in pediatric neurology and has years of experience evaluating toddlers for the full range of conditions that affect development. When she suspects a neurological cause, she may recommend a pediatric EEG to check brain activity, plus imaging or lab testing when it makes sense.
early intervention resources in arizona
Arizona families can get early intervention support through the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), a federally funded program serving children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or diagnosed conditions. AzEIP connects your family with speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental instruction, often right in your home or community.
If your family qualifies, AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, covers many developmental and neurological evaluations and therapies for children. Dr. Zach and the team at Rose Medical Pavilion know these resources well and can walk families through the referral and evaluation process.
Phoenix's extreme summer heat also affects how and when families get to services. Many therapy providers and specialist offices, including Rose Medical Pavilion, are built with Arizona families in mind, with air-conditioned, welcoming spaces and flexible scheduling so the hottest months don't keep you from care.
what happens during a neurological evaluation
If you're thinking about seeing a speech delay neurologist in Phoenix or you're worried about a motor delay, knowing what's coming can take the edge off for parents and kids alike. A visit with Dr. Zach usually includes:
- A full review of your child's developmental history and pregnancy and birth history
- A detailed neurological exam designed for toddlers
- A discussion of any relevant family history
- Coordination with your child's pediatrician and any existing therapists
- A clear explanation of what she found and a personalized plan for next steps
The point isn't to alarm anyone. It's to give you the most accurate picture possible so you can get the right support at the right time. Early intervention consistently produces better outcomes, and in pediatric neurology, timing genuinely matters.
take the next step at rose medical pavilion
If something about your toddler's development worries you, whether it's a speech delay, a motor concern, or something you can't quite name, trust your instincts and get an evaluation. Families across Phoenix and the surrounding Valley trust Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion for pediatric neurological care. Reaching out early is always the right call.
Schedule a consultation at Rose Medical Pavilion today and take the first step toward answers and the support your child deserves.
Schedule an Appointment
Questions about your child's neurological health? Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion is here to help. Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) or schedule online.