Is My Toddler Meeting Their Developmental Milestones?

gbhconsultants
Jun 20, 2019
2 min read

Updated: Jun 17

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 Developmental 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 Developmental 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 Developmental 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 Developmental Milestones at 24 Months

Demonstrates parallel play and copies others’ behaviors
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.