Is My Toddler Meeting Their Developmental Milestones?

Children learn and grow rapidly during their early years. Parents have the privilege to help their child learn and grow into the best little person they can be! However, many parents are unsure if their child is meeting their developmental milestones within normal limits. It is important to know if your child is meeting key milestones to recognize any possible delays as early as possible. This can help ensure your child gets appropriate early interventions!

Key Milestones at 6 Months

· Differentiates familiar faces from strangers

· Begins to respond to sounds and make vowel sounds when interacting with others

· Shows curiosity about things and attempts to grab objects that are out of reach

· Roll over and begin to sit without support

Possible Delays at 6 Months

· Missing developmental milestones

· Shows no affection towards caregivers

· Doesn’t respond to or make sounds

· Very stiff or floppy muscles

Key Milestones at 12 Months

· Cries when caregivers leave/shy around strangers

· Repeats sounds or actions to get attention

· Uses simple gestures (e.g. waving hand, shaking head “no”, etc.) and points to objects

· Begins to say one to two syllable words Exploring things by banging, shaking, throwing

Possible Delays at 12 Months

· Can’t stand when supported or crawl

· Doesn’t use gestures or point to objects

· Not speaking in single words

· Loses previously learned skills

Key Milestones at 18 Months

· Plays simple pretend (e.g. feeding doll) and attempts to engage familiar people in play

· Says several single words and points to show things he/she wants

· Follows simple one-step commands and recognizes common objects

· Walking alone, drink from cup, and eat with a spoon

Possible Delays at 18 Months

· Seems unaware of caregiver

· Doesn’t point to show objects or know familiar objects

· Doesn’t know 6 words or gain new words

· Not imitating others

· Unable to walk

Key Milestones at 24 Months

· Demonstrates parallel play and copies others’ behavior

· Shows more defiant behaviors and tantrums

· Names common objects and uses 2-4 word phrases

· Begins to run, kick balls, and climb on furniture

Possible Delays at 24 Months

· Unable to use 2 word phrases

· Doesn’t know what to do with common objects

· Trouble following simple directions

· Doesn’t walk steadily

1 in 6 children aged 3 to 17 in the United States has a developmental disability, such as autism, intellectual disability, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many children with developmental delays or behavior concerns are not identified as early as possible which delays crucial early interventions. Assessment is essential in accurate diagnosis and therapy services can help the child improve their speech, motor, academic, and social skills. Learn how Gateway Behavioral Health Consultants, LLC can help with assessment and treatment for a variety of common childhood disorders. Find more information at our website www.gbhconsultants.com or by contacting us at (314)325-2685.