Developmental Delays in Infants and Toddlers: What West Valley and Verrado Parents Should Know

By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — May 10, 2026

The West Valley — including Verrado, Estrella Mountain Ranch, Palm Valley, and Litchfield Park — is one of the fastest-growing regions in Maricopa County, with thousands of young families establishing roots in its new master-planned communities. With that growth comes a growing need for pediatric specialty care, including developmental delay evaluation for infants and toddlers.

Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion sees children from across the west valley for developmental concerns, and she brings a neurological lens to a question that parents often approach first through early intervention programs or school evaluations: Why isn't my child keeping up with their peers?

Normal Development vs. Developmental Delay: What to Watch For

Developmental milestones are general guides, not exact schedules — children develop at different rates. However, certain milestones carry more diagnostic weight than others. Red flags that warrant evaluation include:

• Motor delays: Not sitting without support by 9 months; not walking by 15–18 months; consistently favoring one hand before age 1 (can indicate hemiplegia); toe-walking beyond age 2–3.
• Language delays: No babbling by 12 months; no single words by 16 months; no two-word phrases by 24 months; any loss of previously acquired language at any age.
• Social/communication delays: Not making eye contact; not pointing or waving bye-bye; not responding to their name by 12 months; limited interest in other children.
• Cognitive delays: Not imitating actions or words; unable to follow simple two-step instructions by age 2–3.

Any regression — loss of skills the child previously had — is always a red flag and warrants prompt evaluation, regardless of age.

What Causes Developmental Delays?

Developmental delays can result from a wide range of neurological causes, and identifying the specific cause is important for guiding treatment and support. Common neurological contributors include:

• Genetic conditions (chromosomal abnormalities, syndromic diagnoses): Many genetic syndromes cause developmental delay and are best identified through genetic testing ordered alongside neurological evaluation.
• Prematurity: Children born before 37 weeks are at elevated risk for developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and learning differences. Gestational age must be considered when assessing milestones.
• Brain structural abnormalities: MRI can identify cortical malformations, periventricular leukomalacia, or other structural differences that explain developmental profiles.
• Metabolic disorders: Rare but important to identify early, as many are treatable.
• Autism spectrum disorder: ASD involves developmental differences in social communication and behavior and often overlaps with neurological concerns. Dr. Zach can evaluate neurological contributors and coordinate with developmental pediatrics for comprehensive ASD assessment.

The Role of Early Intervention

For children under age 3, Arizona's Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) provides free developmental therapies — speech, occupational, and physical therapy — for eligible children. This program is an important first step and runs in parallel with, not instead of, a medical evaluation. Neurological assessment adds information that therapists need to guide treatment: knowing why a child has a motor delay shapes how physical therapy is structured.

For school-age children in Verrado, Estrella Mountain Ranch, and the Goodyear-Buckeye area, Dysart Unified, Liberty Elementary, and Littleton Elementary school districts all have Special Education departments that provide evaluations and services. Dr. Zach coordinates closely with school teams and provides medical documentation to support IEP development.

What a Neurological Developmental Evaluation Includes

When Dr. Zach evaluates a child for developmental delays, she conducts a detailed neurological examination that assesses muscle tone, reflexes, coordination, sensory processing, and neurodevelopmental milestones. She reviews birth history, prenatal history, family history, and prior evaluation reports.

Testing may include brain MRI, genetic blood panels, metabolic screens, or an EEG if seizures are suspected. Dr. Zach will explain each test in plain language and discuss findings with you at a follow-up appointment.

For West Valley and Verrado Families

Rose Medical Pavilion is approximately 32–38 miles from most west valley communities. We know that's a longer drive for Verrado and Goodyear families, and we offer telehealth follow-up appointments for established patients to reduce travel. A first evaluation typically requires an in-person visit; many subsequent appointments can be completed remotely.

Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) to schedule. Our community pages for Verrado, Estrella Mountain Ranch, and Palm Valley have additional information for west valley families.