As a parent, it's normal to wonder if your toddler is on track
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are skills most children achieve by a certain age—from walking and talking to playing with others. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and CDC provide trusted guidelines (last major update 2022, still current as of 2026²). These serve as helpful benchmarks, not strict rules. Shifts in these patterns can sometimes signal early signs of autism in toddlers or other developmental delays.
5 Key Early Signs of Developmental Delays in Toddlers
Limited or Absent Social Engagement By 12 months, most toddlers respond to their name, enjoy "peek-a-boo," and use gestures like waving. A lack of reciprocal smiles, eye contact, or joint attention (sharing interest in an object by looking at it and then back at you) can be a key indicator. Persistent difficulty with social reciprocity is a core feature of autism spectrum disorder³.
Delayed or Unusual Communication Skills Between 12–18 months, children typically use single words and gestures to express needs. Limited babbling, no pointing to desired objects, or minimal vocabulary by 18–24 months warrants attention. Repetitive phrases or unusual tone can also be red flags. Early language delays are often linked to broader developmental concerns⁴.
Repetitive Behaviors or Restricted Interests Toddlers love routines, but excessive insistence on sameness, repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking), or intense focus on specific objects or parts of objects may signal developmental differences. These are commonly observed in young children with autism³.
Challenges with Motor Skills By 18 months, most toddlers walk independently; by 24 months, they run and kick a ball. Significant delays in gross motor skills (walking, running) or fine motor skills (stacking blocks, holding a crayon) should be evaluated. Recent studies show a strong connection between motor development and cognitive/social progress⁵.
Lack of Pretend Play or Imaginative Play Between 18–36 months, toddlers usually begin simple pretend play (feeding a doll, pushing a toy car). Limited imitation or imaginative play can impact social learning and may be an early sign of developmental differences¹.
What Parents Can Do Next
If you notice any of these signs, start by discussing them with your pediatrician—they can perform initial screenings and refer you to specialists like a developmental pediatrician or psychologist. Early identification is key; research shows that timely support can significantly improve developmental outcomes¹. You are your child's best advocate—trust your instincts.
If you're in McKinney, Texas, or Bozeman, Montana, a private-pay developmental evaluation can provide clarity, detailed insights, and personalized next steps without long waitlists. Reach out if you'd like to discuss how we can help.
References
¹ American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 4th Edition.
² Lipkin, P. H., & Macias, M. M. (2020). Developmental surveillance and screening for infants and young children. Pediatrics, 145(1).
³ American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
⁴ Shulman, C., & Landman, G. (2022). Speech and language milestones. Pediatrics in Review, 43(2).
⁵ Cacola, P., & Santos, M. M. (2021). The relationship between motor and cognitive development in young children. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 55.
