Red Flags: When to Be Concerned About Your Child’s Development

Every child develops at their own pace, but there are some general milestones that children should reach at certain ages. If your child is not meeting these milestones, it could be a sign of a developmental delay or disorder.

Here are some red flags to look for in each age group:

Infants (0-12 months)

• Does not make eye contact or smile
• Does not babble or make other sounds
• Does not respond to loud noises
• Does not roll over, sit up, or crawl
• Does not have a strong startle reflex
• Does not seem interested in people or toys

Toddlers (1-3 years old)

• Does not walk by 18 months
• Does not speak at least 15 words by 18 months
• Does not understand simple instructions
• Does not play pretend games
• Has difficulty separating from caregivers
• Has frequent tantrums

Preschoolers (3-5 years old)

• Cannot jump or ride a tricycle
• Cannot hold a crayon correctly
• Cannot draw a circle
• Cannot stack more than four blocks
• Has difficulty following simple directions
• Does not interact with other children
• Has frequent nightmares or night terrors

School-aged children (6-12 years old)

• Has difficulty reading or writing
• Cannot do simple math problems
• Has trouble paying attention in school
• Is frequently disruptive in class
• Has difficulty making friends
• Withdraws from social activities

If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk to your pediatrician. They can assess your child’s development and recommend any necessary interventions.

Early diagnosis and intervention are key to helping children with developmental delays and disorders reach their full potential.

Here are some additional tips for parents:

• Talk to your child regularly. This will help to promote language development.
• Provide your child with plenty of opportunities to learn and explore. This includes playing with toys, going to the park, and reading books.
• Be patient and supportive. It is important to remember that every child develops at their own pace.