Know when to talk to your pediatrician about your child's development

As your child grows, they will begin to hit certain developmental milestones like crawling, talking and walking. Although each child grows differently, children tend to hit these developmental milestones roughly around the same time.

If your child is just a month or two behind, it's worth noting, but may not be a cause for immediate concern. However, if your child is multiple months behind in the development of one or more basic skills, you should talk to your child's pediatrician about the possibility of a developmental delay that may require intervention.

Typical developmental milestones

Developmental milestones achieved by age 1:

• Expressing emotions with sounds, cries, and basic facial expressions

• Crawling or scooting around

• Looks when name is called

• Sitting independently and pulling up to stand on their own

• Engaging in social games with caregiver (e.g. peek-a-boo)

• Able to say a few single words (e.g. "dada" or "mama")

Developmental milestones achieved by age 2:

• Drinking from a sippy cup and using a spoon

• Scribbling with crayons or markers

• Following simple one-step directions

• Walking on their own

• Using two-word phrases (e.g. "Go bye-bye?" or "Good doggy!")

• Showing objects of interest to others

• Helping caregiver dress them (e.g. raising hands over head to put on shirt)

• Noticing and responding to basic emotions of others

• Pointing to basic body parts when asked (e.g. "Where is your nose?")

Developmental milestones achieved by age 3:

• Running and jumping

• Building tall towers with blocks

• Using two- or three-word phrases, with total vocabulary of approximately 50 words

• Using objects in symbolic and creative ways (e.g. pretending their toothbrush is an airplane)

• Asking questions to find out more information

• Following simple two-step directions

• Initiating play interactions with other children

• Using a fork

• Avoiding dangers when warned (e.g. irons, hot stoves, etc.)

Evaluating developmental delays

Pediatricians, pediatric psychologists and neuropsychologists can diagnose a developmental delay. Pediatricians may refer to precise guidelines and checklists to make the diagnosis. Your pediatrician may also refer you to a developmental pediatrician (a doctor who specializes in child development), a pediatric neurologist, or a psychologist for more comprehensive evaluation.

"With developmental delays, early evaluation is crucial. It allows us to pinpoint your child's specific areas of need and tailor interventions effectively," says Amber Gibson, PhD, Pediatric Psychologist at the UT Southwestern and Children's Health℠ Center for Autism Care and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern.

Since a significant amount of brain development occurs between 0-3 years, this period is a critical window for growth. Research shows that early intervention leads to the best outcomes. Addressing needs early may help to prevent the skill gap between your child and their peers from widening as they grow.

Early intervention for developmental delays

Early intervention can help many children get back on track with development. Possible interventions may include:

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Vision correction

• Hearing assistance

• Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services (children younger than 3)

• Special education services (children 3 years and older)

Many developmental delays can be overcome with appropriate intervention. For instance, speech therapy can help your child's language development or articulation skills, and physical therapy can help a child who is struggling with balance and coordination.

Other developmental disabilities are long-term, such as an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder. However, early intervention can still be extremely beneficial for children with these conditions, helping them reach their full potential.

Learn more

If your child has missed several milestones, talk to a pediatrician or a psychologist at Children's Health by calling 214-456-7700.