Delayed Speech, Irritability, Social Withdrawal: Personality or Early Warning Signs in Toddlers Aged 1–3?
Between 12 and 36 months of age, children undergo rapid development in language, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Yet, this is also a critical window during which early warning signs of developmental challenges can easily be overlooked.
Recognizing the importance of this stage, Vinschool Kindergartens recently partnered with Vinmec Healthcare System to organize the seminar “Supporting Children Aged 12–36 Months During the Golden Development Stage.” The event drew considerable interest from parents eager to understand how to support their children’s growth during these formative years.
At the seminar, MSc. Dang Thi Thanh Tung, a Clinical Psychology Specialist with nearly two decades of experience at Vinmec, guided parents through identifying subtle yet significant signs that are often missed in early childhood development.
5 EARLY WARNING SIGNS EVERY PARENT SHOULD WATCH FOR
Certain persistent behaviors in toddlers may be early indicators of developmental disorders:
- Delayed speech beyond 24 months, especially if the child only repeats single words without forming phrases
- Limited eye contact or lack of response when called by name
- Absence of gestures, such as pointing, sharing emotions, or imitating adults
- Repetitive or unusual behaviors, including toe-walking, hand-flapping, or spinning in circles
- Extreme sensitivity to changes, including intense tantrums, loss of control, or self-harming behaviors
THE BRAIN DEVELOPS MOST RAPIDLY IN THE FIRST 3 YEARS
Scientific research shows that 80% of brain development occurs before the age of three. This period is foundational for building lifelong language, emotional, and social skills.
Rather than simply “waiting for the child to grow,” parents should be equipped with the right knowledge to track and support their child’s developmental journey.
THE KINDERGARTEN ENVIRONMENT – A KEY SETTING FOR EARLY DETECTION AND SUPPORT
In a thoughtfully designed early learning environment:
- Children not only acquire essential skills but are also closely monitored for developmental progress
- Teachers are trained to spot early signs of concern
- Activities such as storytelling, role-playing, and group interaction serve as natural assessments for language, emotional, and cognitive development
VINSCHOOL & VINMEC: A COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT MODEL FOR FAMILIES
Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, Vinschool will collaborate with the Vinmec Healthcare System to establish an integrated Health–Education model. This partnership aims to:
- Enable early detection of developmental issues
- Provide timely, stress-free guidance for interventions
- Offer personalized support for parents during the most critical years of their child’s growth
Parents interested in learning more about “Comprehensive Care for the Golden 12–36-Month Stage” are encouraged to register for upcoming seminars jointly organized by Vinschool and Vinmec.
