There is no question as a society we are under more stress of all kinds (physical, mental, chemical, emotional) than ever before and this is making us far sicker than generations before. This is true for all ages but we are seeing this especially evident in this generation of kids. Developmental delay and neurological disorders are through the roof.

Autism prevalence has gone from 1 in 150 in 2000 to 1 in 36 in 2020 and is predicted to be 1 in 4 by 2040 if we stay on this same trajectory. ADHD/ADD diagnoses have doubled in the same time period.

Not to mention the huge increase in depression/anxiety in kids since COVID. These are trends that we could have never imagined even a couple of decades ago, let alone seeing the differences between generations. Obviously, there are many factors creating such trends; some known, some unknown, but one thing we can agree on is that we have a big problem that needs addressing and this starts right from the beginning.

From the first moment that we open our eyes, our senses and nerve system are constantly observing and interpreting stimuli and the world around us for the purpose of survival. To help with this, we are all born with certain reflexes. For example, the rooting reflex helps a baby find their mother’s breast to feed, and the Babinski reflex helps interpret the earth underneath their feet, aiding in walking at the end of the first year. Now, we all know that as a baby grows and develops, there should be progress and this neurological momentum measured in developmental milestones. These milestones are part of normal neurological development in a baby and it is especially important not only to hit these within the proper timeline but also not to skip any of them as proper development relies on the previous step. These milestones have remained unchanged for decades as outlined in the chart below. However, in 2022, the CDC completely changed the timelines, delaying the developmental milestones and completely removing some. 

What we have to understand is that instead of recognizing a problem with kids being delayed in their neurological development and addressing it, we have just moved the goal posts and “normalized” it. This is not normal! The truth is, we have a problem on our hands as delayed development and completely missed steps in the case of crawling, have far greater implications as those children become adults down the road. For example, crawling stimulates connections between the two hemispheres of the brain and is vital for motor coordination and improved cognitive function. It also strengthens postural muscles in a cross-crawl pattern, promoting muscular symmetry which can limit progression of conditions like scoliosis down the road. If they skip this step and go straight to walking, these neurological benefits are also missed. This is why we always recommend kiddos get their spine and nerve system checked right from birth to aid in proper nerve system development. 

Throughout history, the goal has always been to have the next generation be more successful and better off in every way than the generation before. On this current trajectory, this will be the first generation since we’ve been keeping track to not do so. I don’t know about you, but as a dad of three young boys, I don’t want my boys to be any part of this “new normal”. Instead of moving the goal posts for health, let’s take action and change the trend so we can see this next generation thrive!