Regression in Milestones

What is Regression in Milestones?

Regression in developmental milestones refers to the loss of previously acquired skills in areas such as speech, motor abilities, social interaction, or toileting.

In Simple Terms:

If a child could do something earlier (like walk, talk, or feed themselves) but later stops doing it or forgets how, that is called regression.

Why is Regression Important?

• Typical development usually progresses forward—skills build upon each other.

• Regression is a red flag and often signals an underlying issue such as:

• Neurological disorders (e.g., Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, epilepsy)

• Emotional trauma or extreme stress

• Sensory regression (like in autism spectrum disorder)

• Brain injury or illness

Examples of Regression:

Area	Skill Lost	Example
Language	Talking	A child who used to say “mama” and “bye-bye” stops speaking entirely.
Motor	Walking	A toddler who could walk starts crawling again or refuses to walk.
Social	Eye contact or play	A child who smiled and played with others becomes withdrawn.
Toilet training	Dryness	A child who was toilet-trained begins bedwetting or soiling again.

🚩 When to Be Concerned:

• If the regression is persistent (not just temporary)

• If it affects multiple domains

• If it happens suddenly without any physical illness

What to Do:

• Document when the regression began and what skills were lost

• Refer to a pediatrician, developmental specialist, or neurologist

• Begin or adjust intervention plans based on updated assessments