Signs of developmental delays can vary depending on the child’s age and the area of development affected (e.g., motor skills, speech, social skills, cognitive ability). While every child develops at their own pace, here are some common red flags to watch for:
🧠 Cognitive/Thinking Delays
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Trouble following simple instructions
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Difficulty learning new concepts or problem-solving
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Doesn’t play pretend or engage in interactive play by age 3
🗣️ Speech and Language Delays
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No babbling by 12 months
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No words by 18 months
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Fewer than 50 words or not combining words by age 2
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Difficulty understanding simple directions
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Hard to understand even by familiar people by age 3
👫 Social and Emotional Delays
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Doesn’t smile or show interest in people by 3 months
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Limited eye contact or response to name by 12 months
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Doesn’t play with other children or show interest in social interaction by age 2–3
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Shows extreme behaviors (aggression, fearfulness, withdrawal)
🚶 Motor Skill Delays
Gross Motor (large movements):
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Doesn’t roll over by 6 months
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Can’t sit without help by 9 months
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Doesn’t walk by 18 months
Fine Motor (small movements):
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Trouble holding toys or using hands together by 1 year
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Can’t stack blocks, scribble, or feed self with a spoon by age 2
👂 Sensory or Behavioral Concerns
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Overreacts or underreacts to sounds, textures, or lights
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Repetitive behaviors (e.g., flapping hands, rocking)
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Rigid routines, gets very upset with changes
⚠️ When to Seek Help
If a child:
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Misses multiple milestones for their age
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Loses previously acquired skills (called regression)
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Has a gut feeling from a caregiver that “something isn’t right”