EP39: Have Developmental Milestones Changed? Dr. Laura Hanson Talks CDC & Early Childhood Development

In this episode of the Meehan Mission Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Laura Hanson, a developmental specialist with over 30 years of experience working with children, to discuss developmental milestones, early brain development, and changes to CDC milestone guidelines.

Dr. Hanson explains how motor skills, language development, sensory integration, and neurological timing work together in early childhood—and why milestones serve as critical signposts of brain development, not academic benchmarks.

We explore:
• How developmental milestones have shifted over time
• Why skills like crawling, head control, and early language play a foundational role in brain wiring
• The difference between what is “common” vs. what is truly “typical”
• How movement, balance, and coordination impact learning, behavior, and emotional regulation
• Why early observation and timely support matter during critical developmental windows
• Simple ways parents can observe developmental patterns at home
• The importance of asking “why” instead of immediately labeling delays

Dr. Hanson also shares insights on:
• Language development timelines
• Gross and fine motor coordination
• Balance, hopping, and bilateral movement
• How early development can affect learning later in childhood

This conversation is designed to educate and empower parents, caregivers, and professionals to better understand early childhood development and know when to seek guidance.

For more resources, check out Dr. Hanson’s website: connectmybrain.com

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