Is My Child Like Other Children? A Journey of Understanding Individual Differences and the Importance of Early Intervention

"My friend’s son is already speaking in full sentences, while my child still uses simple words."

"My brother’s daughter knows the colors, but my son doesn’t care about them."

These questions cross almost every mother’s and father’s mind. But the important thing to remember is this: no child is exactly like another. Every child develops at their own pace, in their own unique way.

Individual differences among children are not a deficit but a natural characteristic. Some may have advanced skills in certain areas such as language, play, or social interaction, while they may lag in other areas such as motor or social skills. This variation between stronger and less developed skills does not necessarily indicate a problem—but sometimes it signals the need for early monitoring and evaluation to provide appropriate support.

Where Does Early Intervention Make a Difference?

Early intervention not only changes the child’s present but also opens doors to their future.

A child who does not speak yet → with early intervention may begin to communicate using words or pictures.

A child who struggles to interact with others → can gradually be taught how to share play and socialize.

A child with challenging behaviors → can learn more positive alternatives through structured strategies.

Healthy Comparison vs. Negative Comparison

Negative comparison: “My child is delayed; he must have a big problem.”

Healthy comparison: “My child needs more time and support, and I can help him with structured steps.”

The difference between these two perspectives creates a huge impact on the family’s emotions and on how they respond to the child’s needs.

Practical Steps for Families

Accurate observation: Follow your child’s skills without exaggerating comparisons with others.

Early evaluation: If you notice clear delays, consult trusted professionals.

Teamwork: Intervention is not limited to therapy sessions; it extends to the home and school.

Celebrate progress: Even small achievements matter—such as saying a new word or sitting with peers for a few extra minutes.

A Mother Who Noticed the Difference… and Understood the Power of Early Intervention

Khaled’s mother was sitting at a family gathering, watching her nieces and nephews play. She noticed that her sister’s son, a year younger than Khaled, could name colors and interact with children, while Khaled preferred to play alone with cars, speaking very little.

She began comparing silently:

"Is my son delayed? Is it normal that he doesn’t speak like them? Maybe he just needs more time…".

But the more she noticed the differences, the more her worries grew. At first, she felt sad and started questioning herself:

"Am I the reason? Did I fail him?"

Then she heard a simple piece of advice from a relative:

"Consult professionals, it might be something simple, and early intervention could help him."

The Turning Point

She went to a specialized center, where she found people who listened to her and carefully assessed Khaled’s skills. She discovered that Khaled had strong abilities but needed an early intervention program focusing on communication and social play.

The sessions began, and the mother learned how to support her son at home with small steps:

Encouraging him to look into her eyes during play.

Using pictures and simple words to communicate.

Reinforcing any attempt he made to interact with others.

A Few Months Later

Khaled’s life changed. He started saying new words, sitting longer with his cousins, and his personality began to shine.

Today, his mother says:

"I used to compare my son to others and feel pain, but I learned that the true comparison is between Khaled yesterday and Khaled today. Early intervention didn’t just change him—it changed me as a mother, and it made me see him with new eyes."

The Lesson from the Story

Every child is unique in their development, and there is no single path that fits all. But early intervention is the key that turns individual differences from a source of worry into an opportunity for growth and development.

Conclusion

Individual differences among children are real and natural. But early intervention is the bridge that helps the child overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Don’t compare your child to others—compare them to who they were yesterday, and you will see how capable they are of growing day by day.