Every child grows at their own pace.
This guide helps you notice when extra help could make a difference. Milestones are skills most children pick up by a certain age: moving, talking, playing, learning and showing feelings. They are a guide, not a checklist.
Where is your child?
Choose an age. Missing one milestone does not mean something is wrong, and noticing a delay does not mean your child needs a label. It means it may be time to get the right help at the right time.
Many children by this age…
- Babble (“bababa”, “mamama”)
- Respond to their name
- Wave, point or reach to show what they want
- Play peek-a-boo
Talk to us if you notice…
- No babbling
- No response to name
- No gestures such as pointing or waving
- Limited eye contact
Many children by this age…
- Say a few single words
- Follow simple instructions
- Point to show you things
- Copy what you do
- Begin pretend play
Talk to us if you notice…
- No words at all
- No pointing
- Not walking
- Does not look when you point or call
Many children by this age…
- Use about 50 words or begin joining two words
- Run and kick a ball
- Play near other children
- Show interest in others
Talk to us if you notice…
- Fewer than 50 words or no two-word phrases
- Very little interest in other children
- Strong distress with ordinary noises, textures or changes
Many children by this age…
- Speak in short sentences that strangers can mostly understand
- Play pretend games
- Take turns
- Follow two-step instructions
Talk to us if you notice…
- Hard to understand even for family
- Difficulty playing with others
- Many frequent meltdowns
- Repeating the same words or actions for long periods
Many children by this age…
- Tell a simple story
- Draw a person and hold a pencil
- Know some letters and numbers
- Make friends
- Manage simple routines
Talk to us if you notice…
- Struggles to follow what is said
- Avoids or cannot join group play
- Very limited speech
- Difficulty with attention or cooperation beyond what you see in other children
Many children by this age…
Every child is different.
Talk to us if you notice…
- Losing a skill they had before (for example, words, eye contact or play). Speak to a professional promptly.
When to seek support
- Your child is not meeting several milestones
- Your child has lost skills they once had
- Everyday tasks (communication, play, self-care) are a struggle for them or for you
- You have a feeling that something is not right. You know your child best.
Early support is always better than waiting. Starting sooner helps children build skills more easily and reduces frustration for the child and the family. Seeking help is a sign of a caring parent.
What you can do today
- Write down what you notice and when.
- Take short videos of what worries you.
- Talk to your child’s doctor or teacher.
- Book a free 20-minute consultation with us.
Meet your child where they stand, instead of stretching them to meet you where you stand.
This guide is for information only. It is not a diagnosis.