Is Your Child Meeting Milestones? Consult a Developmental Pediatrician in Tampa, FL

Developmental milestones are specific skills or behaviors that most children achieve by certain ages as they grow. These milestones typically fall into categories such as physical (walking, crawling), cognitive (learning, problem-solving), social and emotional (playing with others, showing affection), and language (speaking, understanding words).

Our team closely monitors these milestones during your child’s well visits. For example, from birth to about two months, babies usually begin to smile at people, coo, follow objects with their eyes, and hold their heads up during tummy time. By around six months, most babies can roll over, sit with support, respond to their name, babble, and show curiosity about objects. At one year, many children can stand with help, say simple words, point to things, and show preferences for certain people or toys. By the time a child is two, it’s common for them to walk alone, say short sentences, follow simple instructions, and begin to play alongside other children.

Every child develops at their own pace, so missing one or more milestones doesn’t always indicate a serious problem. However, consistent delays or loss of previously acquired skills can signal developmental disorders or other medical concerns, such as hearing loss, autism spectrum disorder, or intellectual disabilities.

At Julia Barriga M.D. P.A., we understand how important your child’s growth and development are to you. Dr. Barriga is a board-certified pediatrician with years of experience supporting families whose children may be experiencing delays or difficulties in reaching developmental milestones.

As part of our practice, we are committed to identifying, assessing, and managing developmental or behavioral concerns that can affect your child’s progress in areas such as movement, speech and language, social interaction, learning, and emotional regulation. If you have noticed that your child is not reaching milestones like rolling over, walking, talking, or interacting with others at the expected times, Dr. Barriga and her team can provide a thorough and compassionate evaluation. This evaluation may include a detailed medical and developmental history, physical examination, and standardized developmental assessments.

Dr. Barriga is experienced in diagnosing a range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disabilities, and learning disorders. Once a diagnosis is made, she works closely with families, teachers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to create a personalized care plan that supports your child’s unique needs.

Every child develops at their own pace, and occasional delays are common. However, if you notice persistent delays or significant differences compared to children of the same age, we encourage you to schedule a visit with us. As your trusted pediatrician, Dr. Barriga and her team will listen to your concerns, review your child’s medical and developmental history, and may use specialized screening tools to assess your child’s progress.

During your visit, please bring specific examples of skills or behaviors you’re concerned about, and note when you first observed them. This information helps us provide the best care possible.

Depending on your child’s needs, we may recommend regular monitoring or refer you to trusted specialists such as developmental pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, or occupational therapists for further evaluation. Early intervention is key, and our practice can connect you with local early intervention programs and resources if necessary.

While you wait for your appointment, we encourage you to support your child’s development at home. Engaging in activities like reading, playing, and talking together in a loving and stimulating environment can make a big difference.

If you have concerns about your child’s growth, behavior, or learning that do not seem to match typical milestones for their age, our experienced team is here to help. Some signs that may indicate the need for a developmental assessment include significant delays in speech or language, difficulties with motor skills such as sitting, walking, or using their hands, and challenges in social interactions—like limited eye contact, lack of interest in playing with others, or trouble engaging in age-appropriate play.

You should also consider reaching out to us if your child exhibits repetitive behaviors, has difficulty adjusting to changes in routine, or experiences intense tantrums that are difficult to manage. Problems with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interfere with daily activities are also important reasons to consult a specialist.

Additionally, children who were born prematurely, experienced complications at birth, or have medical conditions that might impact their development can benefit from early evaluation—even if your concerns are mild. At Julia Barriga M.D. P.A., we encourage you to trust your instincts as a parent. If you feel that something isn’t quite right with your child’s development, our pediatric team can provide a thorough assessment and recommend any necessary interventions or therapies.

Are you worried that your child isn’t reaching developmental milestones—like sitting, crawling, walking, or talking—at the expected time? As a parent, it’s natural to have concerns if your child’s progress seems different from their peers. Milestones are key indicators of your child’s growth, covering movement, communication, social skills, and learning abilities. While every child develops at their own pace, ongoing delays might indicate an issue that deserves attention.

Julia Barriga M.D., specializes in pediatric care and developmental assessments. Dr. Julia Barriga, a board-certified pediatrician, has years of experience helping families navigate concerns about their child’s development. Our practice understands that early recognition and support are essential for the best long-term outcomes.

When you visit Julia Barriga M.D. P.A., Dr. Barriga will perform a thorough evaluation, including a review of your child’s developmental history, a physical exam, and age-appropriate screenings. We encourage you to share your questions and observations—your insights are an important part of the process.

If we identify a developmental delay, our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized care plan. This may involve referrals to trusted local specialists, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, or early intervention programs, as well as providing resources and ongoing support right here at our practice.

Don’t wait if you have concerns about your child’s milestones. Early evaluation and intervention can make a lasting difference in your child’s health and happiness. Contact Julia Barriga M.D. P.A. today to schedule an appointment and get the guidance and care your family deserves. We are conveniently located at 5001 East Busch Blvd Tampa, FL 33617. We serve patients from Tampa FL, Terrace FL, Thonotosassa FL, Lutz FL, Greater Carrollwood FL, Lake Magdalene FL, Westchase FL, and Town ‘N’ Country FL.